The Yin and Yang of Acupuncture
June 2023
The theory of acupuncture holds that health stems from a harmonious balance of yin and yang and its accompanying free flow of qi (vital energy). Whether in nature or in the human body, yin and yang describe the existential representation of opposites in the universe. Yin represents the more feminine, soft, yielding, internal, receptive and calming aspects of life. It forms the basis of the nervous system, bones and bodily fluids. Yang represents the more masculine, hard, firm, external and active aspects of life. It is associated with igniting physiological and mental activation. The polar opposites of yin and yang are independent, yet never fully separate as yin cannot exist without yang and vice versa. We know that each contains the seed of its opposite which themselves have the potential to sprout at any time.
The dynamic transformative ebb and flow of these forces is illustrated within the Yin Yang Symbol providing a representation of how these polarities are contained within every component of the body. The two halves of this symbol resemble the shape of a fish where each side contains a thin and thick end. This serves as a visual representation for how yin and yang alternate between minimal and maximal. The Yin Yang Symbol further depicts the unlimited potential that acupuncture – one of the oldest healing practices in the world – holds for achieving a state of equilibrium.
An acupuncturist does their best to activate the energetic sprouting of yin and yang to maximize a person’s innate healing ability. In addition, it is an effective method for procuring optimized balance of water (yin) and fire (yang) along with establishing stronger bodily structure (yin) and function (yang). Quite simply, extremely thin needles are inserted into “just the right” acupuncture points to directly impact yin/yang flow of bodily substances and within the vital organs. For example, energetic flow is activated through “mu points” that exist on the front and “shu points” on the back of the body. When balanced, homeostasis is restored along with overall health.
An acupuncturist takes the overall energetic constitution of a person into consideration when deciding which points are best for balancing yin and yang. This includes an assessment of whether the person is displaying an overall excess or deficiency of yin or yang. Information is gathered through asking questions about their symptoms, especially as related to the existence of yin cold or yang heat. An acupuncturist evaluates the condition of their tongue looking for signs that water is deficient, or fire is excessive. They further learn through observing a person’s body type, watching how they move, listening to the sound of their voice and even taking note of how they smell. An acupuncturist also uses palpation of the radial pulse to determine predominance of yin and yang within the body.
Information is gathered and woven together to create a picture of the person’s energetic landscape,
helping to elucidate what is required to re-establish yin/yang balance and thus maintain optimal health.
This process of yin/yang transformation takes place throughout the changing seasons of the year and is another important component of Chinese medicine evaluation. Within this continuum, yang is associated with emerging and the releasing of energy, while yin is associated with receiving and storing of energy. For example, the increasing warmth of spring and summer is accompanied by “yang birthing and yin growing”. Staying mindful of these changes guides an acupuncturist in terms of providing acupuncture treatments and lifestyle recommendations that support the waxing and waning of a variety of environmental influences.
Acupuncture typically involves a series of weekly or biweekly treatments. A treatment lasts on an average of 20 minutes once the needles are inserted. It is a pleasant and deeply healing experience that activates your internal energetic resources to procure long-lasting physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. Give yourself the opportunity to reach higher health horizons through this ancient modality.
Shoshanna Katzman, L.Ac., M.S. has been director of Red Bank Acupuncture & Wellness Center1988. Now, in Shrewsbury, NJ, the center provides acupuncture, therapeutic massage, Chinese herbal consultation along with private and group classes in conjunction with her Two Rivers Academy of Taiji & Qigong. She is author of “Qigong for Staying Young: A Simple 20-Minute Workout to Cultivate Your Vital Energy”, co-author of “Feeling Light: The Holistic Solution to Permanent Weight Loss and Wellness” and recently released “Center of Power: Life Mastery through Taiji” a comprehensive online curriculum. For more information email or call/text 732-758-1800.
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