The idea of transformation

​A very basic but fundamental concept of Chinese medicine is the relationship between Yin and Yang, two opposing but complementary forces of the universe. Nature (including us humans) express this relationship. Day (yang) becomes night (yin), seasons change, and the cycle (and circle) continues throughout our lifetimes. There is a point at which something has reached ultimate yin or yang, and then it transforms into something else -- its opposite. 
 
The only thing that's constant is change, yet we try desperately to hold on to what we know and love and feel comfortable with. Every moment we are being transformed by what we experience on a physical, mental and emotional level. We go back and forth between states of yin and yang, darkness and light, illness and health, peace and suffering. 
 
The goal of Chinese medicine is to balance the disharmony that is taking place within a patient's body or mind and to bring about change and healing. A patient may experience a profound transformation during a 40-minute treatment, or it may take several months to experience subtle shifts. It is a process that is very different for every patient, and it may take more than one acupuncture session or a single course of herbs. 
 
Transformation occurs all the time over the course of a life time. It never stops. Transformation is at the core of a Chinese medical practitioner's strategy. Which is why Chinese medicine can work for many conditions, at any stage of life.