Oriental Medicine Theory
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- What is Oriental medicine?
- What is acupuncture?
- Why choose acupuncture?
- How does acupuncture work scientifically?
- What are the health benefits of acupuncture?
- Which conditions respond to acupuncture?
- What are acupuncture needles like?
- What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
- Are there any side effects from using Chinese herbs?
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- How are Chinese herbs different than Western herbs?
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Yin-Yang Theory
This is one of the foundational concepts in Oriental medicine. According to Yin-Yang theory, all phenomena in the universe are a result of the continual interplay of two opposing forces symbolized as Yin (black) and Yang (white). In addition, everything in the universe contains within itself aspects of both Yin and Yang in differing degrees of manifestation.
Major Principles of the Yin and Yang Relationship
- Yin and Yang are opposites. They are on the opposite ends of a cycle, like the seasons of the year, or opposites on a continuum of energy or matter.
- Yin and Yang are interdependent - one cannot exist without the other. Nothing in the universe is totally Yin or totally Yang. The dots in Yin and Yang serve as reminders that each contains seed of its opposite.
- Yin and Yang cannot be separated. There is no dark without light, no front without back, no up without down, no in without out and no heat without cold. There is no space without time and no birth without death.
- In the mutual consumption of Yin and Yang, relative levels of each are continuously changing in what is normally a harmonious balance. Any excess of one can eventually weaken (consume) the other.
- Yin transforms into Yang, and Yang transforms into Yin, but only when the time is right. Example: night falls only when the day is done.
The dynamic relationship between Yin and Yang exists everywhere and in everything, including inside the human body, as illustrated in the table below:
Yin-Yang |
(Yin) |
(Yang) |
| Nature | feminine | masculine |
| rest | activity | |
| receives | creates | |
| soft | hard | |
| darkness | light | |
| shade | brightness | |
| flat | round | |
| Symbols | moon | sun |
| tiger | dragon | |
| earth | heaven | |
| space | time | |
| west (sunset) | east (sunrise) | |
| north | south | |
| right | left | |
| Color | black | white |
| Numbers | even | odd |
| Chinese Character | ||
| Original Meaning | north side of a hill (away from the sun) |
south side of a hill (facing the sun) |
In summary, Yin and Yang are the two opposite but interrelated forces which, together with Qi, form the foundation of eastern medicine.
Find your healthy balance and achieve optimal health: body, mind and spirit. Call Acu-Care today at the numbers listed below to set up an appointment and personally experience the benefits of Oriental medicine.
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