Yin and Yang. The two opposites that attract and complement each other. Neither is superior, and a correct stable balance between the two needs to be reached in order to achieve true harmony.
Light and dark, sunny and cloudy, day and night, good and evil. The principle of Yin and Yang is a concept originating from ancient Chinese philosophy where all elements and forces are seen as interconnected, counterbalancing and contradictory opposites. Tracing back to as far as 700 BC, the Yin-Yang model is commonly represented by a black and white swirl, with Yin represented as the colour block with a “seed” of Yang, and Yang represented as the colour white with a “seed” of Yin. This symbolises how the two opposing energies blend into one seamless whole to represent your body’s energy harmony.
To live in harmony with Yin and Yang means life
To live against Yin and Yang means death
To live in harmony with Yin and Yang will bring peace
To live against Yin and Yang will bring chaos
(Nei Jing – Classical of Chinese Medicine)
The Yin and Yang concept is fundamental to the practice of Chinese Medicine and is used to understand, diagnose and treat health issues. It believes that the relationship between Yin and Yang is continuously changing within our body. For example, when we are young, active and energetic, we are Yang – the more vigorous of the two. As we age, we often slow down, becoming more Yin: relaxed and peaceful.
The role of Yin and Yang in Acupuncture
Yin and Yang are core concepts at the centre of acupuncture treatment. Imbalances between the two may cause physical ailments such as gastrointestinal issues, migraines or poor circulation. Additionally, if the two are not in balance, your immune system becomes weaker, resulting in pathogens and bacteria entering the body quickly and easily.
Before starting an acupuncture treatment, your acupuncturist will conduct a thorough examination of your lifestyle, asking questions about your symptoms, diet and habit. This will help them identify if you have a Yin-Yang imbalance within the body, highlighting any areas of concern.
Once your acupuncture practitioner has determined any areas for concern or the cause of your imbalance, they will identify the appropriate meridian (which may be located within a part of your body you weren’t expecting) and insert the acupuncture needles.
In addition to improving your Yin and Yang through acupuncture, your practitioner may suggest a variety of other treatments and habit to implement into your lifestyle, such as herbal medications, massages, an exercise routine, or make dietary changes.
Our acupuncture treatments offer a complementary alternative medicine to help overcome a vast array of health conditions and pains. Contact us today and find out how we can improve your health and wellbeing.
