In Neoclassical Acupuncture (NCA), one of the most interesting aspects is that there are indeed six elements not five, which contrasts with traditional acupuncture. Slate Burris, the founder of NCA has done a brilliant interview explaining why he sees that there is a sixth element and not just a fifth, which you can find here.
But why are there six elements, not five? Well let me quote from the podcast description to get us started:
"Have you ever wondered why the Classics speak to the Five Zang and Six Fu? Especially when we have an equal balance of yin and yang meridians. And what is going on with those two troublesome organs, the Triple Burner and Pericardium that have a “function” but no form? Furthermore, have ever wondered how it is that Fire gets four organs, but all the other elements only two?"
Indeed. When I studied acupuncture, alot of this did not make immediate sense. Especially for a system so based on balance. Yet at its base, it looked like there was already a fundamental IMbalance. In traditional acupuncture, there are five yin (Zang) organs, six yang (Fu) organs, totalling eleven organs, all linking to different acupuncture channels. However, there are twelve channels. Do you see the problem? How can there be eleven organs, but twelve channels? Wouldn’t it make more sense to have twelve organs and twelve channels? The ‘missing’ organ, which is not considered a Zang or Fu organ is that of the pericardium, which does have its own channel, but is not grouped with the other organs. A bit strange no?
So clearly, it should be at least considered based on this weird anomaly that perhaps there might be scope for a sixth Zang organ, the pericardium, as it would make much more sense.
The second most important aspect of the above quote is that the fire element, in the traditional five element model, has four organs belonging to it, rather than two. It’s strange, because all the other elements have only two organs. It is only the fire element which has four organs. Wood for example has liver and gallbladder, metal has lung and large intestine, etc.
Again, another strange imbalance. Why again, for a system based on order and balance, have such a surprising anomaly at its base? Well the likely answer is, that it shouldn't (!).
The pericardium and triple burner in Chinese medicine are considered to be paired (one yin one yang respectively), but are grouped together with the heart and small intestine into the fire element.
If the pericardium and triple burner are considered to be a separate element, you suddenly have a more balanced model again, with two organs for each element. Slate refers to the sixth element as 'ether' or 'heaven'.
But, where is the evidence for this? Well, unless you want to come for a session with me, listen to Slates interview and you'll hear all about why. Put simply, the evidence is within our bodies, if you know where to look! There is also some compelling evidence in the classics of acupuncture. I will at some point write further on this, but for now, have a listen to his interview to learn more.
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