Introduction
In the clinic patients are always amazed at how NCA works so quickly with one needle and then then their curiosity will often want to know how it works. This is a not a simple answer so l will attempt to give some insight here. As a practitioner you can see to fully understand it you would need to train in this system.
Neoclassical Acupuncture (NCA), developed by Dr. Slate Burris, is a palpation-based system designed to quickly identify and treat both the root cause (causal level) and presenting symptoms (branch level) in a single session. By working with the body’s three-axis, six-element model and a structured transport point system, NCA produces rapid, verifiable results — often with just one needle.
The Six Elements in the Three-Axis Model
NCA replaces the traditional five-phase cycle with a six-element system:
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Wood
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Fire
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Earth
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Metal
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Water
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Ether (also called Space or Heaven)
These are organized into three polar axes — a dynamic structural map of the body’s energy system.
Unlike the generative/control logic of five-phase theory, this axial model treats elements as paired functional opposites, with Ether providing the overarching spatial field for all energetic activity.
Elements and Branches as Diagnostic Tools at the Causal Level
1. Elements
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In NCA, the elements are one of the primary diagnostic lenses at the causal level.
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Palpation findings are used to determine if an element is in disharmony and compromised. In clinic l see element disharmony in about 35% in patients. However, for subfertility patients it is about 75%
- On the torso we can also palpate connections to other entities such as obstacles organs and meridians
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Elemental imbalance points to systemic dysfunction — even before local symptoms appear.
2. Branches
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“Within the three-axis framework, imbalances can present at different levels of complexity — manifesting as 4, 8, 12, or 16 branches — each representing a distinct subdivision of the body’s energetic network.”
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Palpation of the limbs can reveal whether an imbalance is at:
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In the branches (systemic cause)
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A more specific pathway (organ/meridian level / obstacle)
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This scaling (from broader to finer) allows the practitioner to locate the exact layer where the blockage originates.
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
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Initial Scan — Practitioner palpates abdomen, limbs, for tension or tenderness.
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Elemental Identification — Findings are matched to one of the six elements within its axis.
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Branches Location — Determine whether the problem is in a large systemic branches or a smaller pathway branch.
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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:
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Within branches, multiple transport points — located on different meridians or body areas — will have the same functional effect. This knowledge is unique to NCA
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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:
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The energetic root (cause)
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The energetic pathway (symptom expression)
…the chosen point often produces immediate changes in:
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Palpatory findings (softening of tissue, reduction of tenderness)
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Patient symptoms (pain relief, improved function)
Clinical Workflow Example
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Palpate → Detect tenderness in a region linked to the elements or branches.
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Element/ Branches Analysis → Identify the specific family and tribe
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Select Transport Point → Pick the correct side of the body left or right. Choose any point in the transport points set.
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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
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Elemental + Branches Diagnosis → Finds the source of the problem, not just the site of pain.
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Real-Time Feedback → Confirms effectiveness in the session.
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Minimal Needles → Often just one is needed to reset the system.
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Systemic Impact → Treating at the causal level improves both root and branch simultaneously.