Mackay Acupuncture Natural Medicine

Have you ever wondered how one tiny acupuncture needle can make such a big difference?
In my clinic, patients often feel immediate changes — less pain, easier movement, more energy — and they want to know, “What just happened?”

The answer is that Neoclassical Acupuncture (NCA) treats both the root cause of the problem and the symptoms you feel — all in the same session.

What Makes NCA Different

NCA, developed by Dr. Slate Burris, is a unique style of acupuncture that uses gentle palpation (careful touch) to find where your body’s energy is blocked.

• We look for the root cause (what’s really driving the problem)

• We treat the elements, branches  or other energetic entities that arise from your energy blueprint (where symptoms are showing up in your body)

Often, we can address both at once — sometimes with just one needle.

The Six Elements

Instead of the traditional five elements you may have heard of, NCA works with six elements:
Wood • Fire • Earth • Metal • Water • Ether (Heaven)

Each element relates to a different part of your body’s energy system. When one element is out of balance, it can affect your whole system — even before symptoms start.

By palpating for one of the 6 elements or the branches or another entity (where in the energetic network the problem lies), the practitioner can diagnose the true root cause which will clear corresponding signs and symptoms — not just treat symptoms.

Palpation Diagnosis: Finding the Causal Layer

1. Initial Scan — Practitioner palpates abdomen, limbs, for tension or tenderness.

2. Elemental Identification — Findings are matched to one of the six elements within its axis.

3. Branches Location — Determine whether the problem is in a large systemic branches or a smaller pathway branch.

4. Confirm with Feedback — After needling, immediate palpation shows whether the causal blockage is resolved.

Transport Points: Opening the Blocked Path

NCA uses the unique transport points structure that makes it possible to open an entire meridian or branch with a single point:

• Within branches, multiple transport points — located on different meridians or body areas — will have the same functional effect. This knowledge is unique to NCA

• This lets the practitioner choose the most accessible point while still treating at the causal level.

Root and Branch Treatment in One Step

Because diagnosis identifies both:

• The energetic root (cause)

• The  energetic pathway (symptom expression)

…the chosen point often produces immediate changes in:

• Palpatory findings (softening of tissue, reduction of tenderness)

• Patient symptoms (pain relief, improved function)

Clinical Workflow Example

1. Palpate → Detect tenderness in a region linked to the elements or branches.

2. Element/ Branches Analysis → Identify the specific family and tribe

3. Select Transport Point → Pick the correct side of the body left or right. Choose any point in the transport points set.

4. Needle & Verify → Immediate palpatory change confirms the causal blockage is resolved. If the symptoms do not clear, then use sweepers to settle the energy

Why This Works

• Elemental + Branches Diagnosis → Finds the source of the problem, not just the site of pain.

• Real-Time Feedback → Confirms effectiveness in the session.

• Minimal Needles → Often just one is needed to reset the system.

• Systemic Impact → Treating at the causal level improves both root and branch simultaneously.

What You Might Notice

Because NCA treats the whole system, changes can happen quickly:

• Pain may reduce or vanish

• Muscles soften and tension eases

• Movement feels freer

• Energy feels more balanced

Why This Approach Works So Well

• We go to the source – treating the real cause, not just the symptom.

• We check results in real time – so you know it’s working before you leave.

• We use fewer needles – often only one.

• We treat the whole system – so you get both short-term relief and long-term improvement.

In short: Neoclassical Acupuncture finds the exact cause of your problem, clears it, and lets your body reset — often in just one session but mostly 4.

If you’d like to experience this for yourself, contact the clinic and book a session. You might be surprised how quickly things can change.