Yin and Yang: An example how this ancient philosophy still rings true.

Mon, Nov 11, 2019

Enjoy our weekly wellness tip from Licensed Acupuncturist, Michael Savalli, from the office of Elizabeth Martin.

Balancing Yin and Yang: In Life, and Health

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are based on the wisdom that has been passed down over generations.  What’s interesting is that many of its practices, while based on ancient philosophy, hold true through modern science.  

For example, one of the oldest, and most important parts of this philosophy regards the concept of yin and yang.  Yin and yang are a way of classifying the natural order of the universe.  They are complementary opposites that can be seen in many ways.  This means; light and dark, hot and cold, activity and rest.  One thing has no meaning without its opposite.  The natural way is for yin and yang to be in balance in a way that allows for the smooth transition of one to the other, and back again.  Applied to medicine, the goal of Acupuncture is to support and maintain this balance.

Modern medicine has determined two divisions of the autonomic nervous system.  (That’s the part of the nervous system that regulates automatic functions.)  There is the sympathetic nervous system, which makes us more alert and active, and prepares us to “fight or flight”.  Then there is the parasympathetic, which tells the body to slow down, rest, and repair.  There, just as the theory predicts, we have a yang (sympathetic), balanced by a yin (parasympathetic).  

Often-times we are overworked, with much stress and many responsibilities.  This can overwork our sympathetic (yang) nervous system, leaving us fatigued and susceptible to illness.  Treatments like acupuncture and activities like meditation help balance out our nervous system and shift it into rest and repair mode.  For stressful lifestyles, regular treatments can help balance excess yang, by nourishing yin.  You have more energy because your body gets more rest.

On the other extreme, there are those that are overly inactive, without much stimulation.  These people can benefit from nourishing the yang-side of the autonomic nervous system.  This can also be treated by acupuncture, although utilizing different points.  In this case, you will have more energy because we have stimulated the yang side of the nervous system.

Keeping yin and yang in balance is one of the most fundamental aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  It offers a number of tools to do so, including acupuncture, massage, and lifestyle recommendations for diet and exercise.  Keep this in mind as you figure out where you fall on this spectrum, and remember, prevention is the best medicine.

Meet Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

Michael is a board certified NY State Licensed Acupuncturist, who received his Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from New York College of Health Professions.  While in this program, he also specialized in Chinese Herbal Medicine. If you or anyone you know is interested in staying healthy this season, schedule your appointment and learn how Acupuncture and herbs can boost your immunity. 

631-601-6491

Click to learn more about Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

Book a Tai Chi Class CLICK HERE

We Sell Products

To enhance your healthy lifestyle experience we sell all forms of Chinese herbal linaments, to pain patches and liquids that help the pain, enhance healing, and promote wellness. Each product has been carefully selected and tested. We only sell high-quality medicinal grade products. Ask your practitioner what products would be right for you!

631-601-6491

Crystal Bowl Sound Healing
Group Meditation

Sound healing is a form of meditation that is performed in a group where you lay on a yoga mat and let the sound transport you. 
Sound healing has many benefits including:

• reducing stress and anxiety
• improves circulation
• deepens relaxation
• increases mental & emotional clarity. 
• restores balance

Vibrational sound healing can be traced back from present-day trends to many ancient civilizations including India, Africa, Europe, and the Orient. The idea is to restore balance to the chakra system and clearing the blocked energy within ourselves. Sound healing is similar to reiki healing; It is a form of energy healing that allows your body to self-regulate and self heal.

Let the sounds vibrate through you to feel the power of self-preservation and healing.
Limited Availability | Register on Eventbrite

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

There are many aspects of life and nature that show the signs of yin and yang.  Can you discover them throughout your day?

With Love,

Liz

Elizabeth M. Martin, MSOM, L.Ac, LMT and the Staff at Hands on Acupuncture and Massage Therapy, P.C.