The body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter and the spirit heals with joy.
– Proverb
A Balanced Life
Yin and Yang
The most basic theory of acupuncture is yin and yang. Before we talk about theory, let’s talk about pronunciation. Most people know how to say “yin,” but a little pet peeve of mine is when people say “yang” like Cristina Yang’s name from Grey’s Anatomy, with a long vowel sound, which is incorrect. It is actually pronounced with a short vowel sound, like yawn.
Ok, now for the theory:
Most people associate yin and yang as simply opposites, but there is a little more to it. While yin and yang oppose each other, they also support each other. Neither can exist without the other; they are infinitely divisible in each other, and they are dynamic.
Everything in life, in this universe, plays a role in the yin yang theory.
Some examples:
| Yin | Yang |
| Moon | Sun |
| Midnight | Midday |
| Winter | Summer |
| Water | Fire |
| Cold | Heat |
| Stillness | Movement |
| Dark | Light |
| Hidden | Revealed |
| Hard | Soft |
| Heavy | Light (mass) |
| Female | Male |
Something to Ponder:
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
– L.M. Montgomery
What’s your favorite part about October?
– the fresh, crisp air
– pumpkin everything!
– scarves, sweaters, boots, and hats
– those gorgeous leaves
– or all the above?
Lifestyle Adjustments for the Changing Seasons
Have you noticed the shift in seasons has begun? Even though Iowa still has some warm days, there is definitely a chill in the air! It’s important to note when the seasons change, as it subtly suggests we should also change and incorporate some modifications into our daily life.
The season of autumn belongs to the Lung*. According to the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine, by Maoshing Ni, this is when “all things in nature reach their full maturity, heavenly energy cools, wind begins to stir, it’s the pivoting point when the yang phase turns into the yin phase.”
Essentially, this means it’s time to change up the way you do things a bit. Here are some helpful tips from the Yellow Emperor to naturally change with the season:
- Go to bed with the sunset, get up with the sunrise – In theory, this sounds great, but we all know this may not be possible. Either way, it’s helpful to try to get a little more sleep.
- Eat warm, cooked foods.
- Stay warm. It’s tempting to want to get the last wear out of your favorite summer sandals, but be sure to layer up with scarves and sweaters to keep your qi strong. Not sure what to wear? Check out my friend Carly’s post for how to stay warm and stylish!
- Take time to gather one’s spirit and energy.
- Remain calm and peaceful, and try to avoid feelings of depression or grief. Sadness also belongs to the Lung.
- Stay focused.
- Keep the Lung energy full, clean and quiet – Do so by practicing breathing exercises to enhance Lung qi.
While it may be difficult to follow all of them, focus on a few you think you can do and try to integrate the change of season into your everyday life.
Happy Autumn!
*When practitioners of Chinese Medicine talk of organs, it does not necessarily mean the physical organ. Rather we are talking of the channel of the organ and the properties associated with the organ according to Chinese Medicine.
Something to Ponder:
“Our bodies tell us things every day; we just need to be aware of it and listen.”
My Journey to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ever since I was a young child I have always been interested in medicine, health and the human body. How the body works is so fascinating! When I was in high school I had set my sights on becoming a doctor, specifically a pediatrician. I had, and still have, a special interest in helping children become healthier to help prevent illnesses and diseases. Then some of my family members started going to see an acupuncturist at the Iowa Acupuncture Clinic for various ailments. Like most people, I had no idea what acupuncture was or what it could do, but when my family members saw improvements it piqued my interest.
As I was talking to my mom about wanting to be a doctor, she said she could see me being an acupuncturist. The thought intrigued me, so I decided to get my first acupuncture treatment. My main goal was to get a better understanding of acupuncture, and my initial experience was relaxing and enjoyable. I was very curious because the acupuncturist asked me questions based on what she observed by looking at my tongue and feeling my pulse. It was extremely interesting to learn that our bodies tell us things every day; we just need to be aware of it and listen.
After that, I began working at the Iowa Acupuncture Clinic and the medicine continued to amaze me. I really enjoyed being a part of the clinic and observing patient interactions. I saw improvements in my health in ways I wouldn’t have thought possible from tiny needles being strategically placed all over my body. At the time I truly did not understand how much theory went into a treatment.
I graduated from Johnston High School in 2007 and started my undergraduate experience at Grand View University in the fall of 2007. Throughout my time at Grand View, I continued to work part-time at the clinic and it only confirmed my passion for Chinese Medicine. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Health Promotion: Wellness and Fitness and went on to pursue my Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Northwestern Health Sciences University. After my education in health and Traditional Chinese Medicine, I’m even m
ore amazed with the body and all of the miracles that happen every second.
I now work for Acupuncture Wellness Center & Allergy Clinic of Iowa, and every day I’m thankful for all of the steps that lead me down this path towards my calling of being an acupuncturist. I have dedicated myself to helping people feel their best. After all, we only have one body for this one amazing life; we better take the best care of it we can.
Being Well & Balanced 