Rebalancing Routines: Simple Tips to Maintain Good Health In between Acupuncture Sessions
The Taijitu, or Yin-Yang symbol, may be one of the most enduring symbols to emerge from China. Dating back over two millennia, it was developed by thinkers deeply influenced by the predominant philosophies of the time. They observed natural rhythms—like the alternation between day and night, seasonal changes, and the balance between rest and activity—and from these insights, they developed the concept of Yin and Yang. The symbol represents the harmonious equilibrium of dualities that manifest throughout all aspects of life, emphasizing the importance of balance.
Yin and Yang are opposites, so one cannot exist without the other. In this way they are complimentary. You cannot have day without night or hot without cold. Yin represents the moon, water, coolness, darkness, passivity, intuition, softness, and contraction—while Yang represents the sun, fire, light, activity, rational thought, hardness, expansion, and assertiveness.
Notice the smaller circles within each aspect, suggesting that the seed of Yang is contained within Yin and vice versa. This is exemplified in that even in the depths of night, when Yin is at its fullest, there lies a seed of the shift into daytime, with the breaking of dawn. This symbol and its profound meanings left an indelible mark on medical practitioners in ancient China, influencing their understanding of disease and treatment. Every physiological process, as well as every symptom or sign, can be categorized as either Yin or Yang in nature.
Acupuncture works to restore balance and harmony within the body, helping us feel our best from the inside out. But between sessions, our daily routines can play a crucial role in supporting the benefits of treatment and maintaining a state of wellness.
By making simple adjustments in our habits and lifestyle, we can keep our bodies and minds balanced, ensuring that we continue to build on the progress made in each acupuncture session. Here, we’ll explore a few key practices that can help sustain this balance and promote good health in a natural, practical way.
Tip #1 - Invite Movement into your Day
A key to maintaining good health is getting some movement during the day. It keeps the body’s systems functioning optimally by improving circulation, promoting lymphatic flow. It supports the natural movement of Qi, or energy, throughout the body. I generally start my day with about 30 minutes of qi gong or yoga in the morning, and aim for 3-4 days per week of cardio exercise at my local gym.
The movement doesn’t have to be rigorous exercise - it can be a walk, some stretching, or yoga. The level of movement that is best for you is dependent on many factors - age, pre-existing health issues, free time, and of course what you enjoy to do. If you work from a desk throughout the week, consider a walking pad or getting up from your desk periodically to move your body.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is a concept that specific activities, when done in excess or without balance, can harm particular organs in the body. This idea ties into the TCM understanding of the body’s relationship with movement, posture, and the Five Phases (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), where each organ system corresponds to a phase and a type of physical strain.
Excess Sitting Impairs the Spleen - in TCM the spleen is associated with the transformation of the food we eat into Qi, and the transportation of that Qi to the rest of the body. Sitting for long periods of time hinders the spleen’s functioning, possibly leading to poor digestion, poor appetite, and fatigue. Earth is the associated phase
Excess Standing Impairs the Kidneys - the Kidneys are where our essence is stored, and helps maintain the proper balance between Yin & Yang in the body. Excess standing can hinder the Kidneys and cause a sore low back, general weakness, and fatigue. Water is the associated phase.
Excess Walking Impairs the Liver - the Liver is responsible for the smooth movement of Qi throughout the body. Excessive walking or prolonged movement can overtax the Liver, which governs the tendons and sinews, leading to tight muscles and irritability. Wood is the associated phase.
Excess Lying Down Impairs the Lungs - constant lying down weakens the Lung's dispersing and descending functions, which helps regulate Qi and respiration. It can lead to sluggishness, weak breathing, and a cough or phlegm accumulation in the chest. The associated phase is metal.
Excess Use of the Eyes Impairs the Heart - overuse of the eyes (especially with modern screen time) strains the heart, which governs the Shen. The Shen is our spirit, which is centered in the heart space. This can lead to mental restlessness, insomnia, and emotional imbalance. Fire is the associated phase.
The purpose of sharing these insights is to highlight that while movement is essential for good health, excessive movement can also be detrimental. A lack of exercise is clearly associated with poor health outcomes, but overexercising to the point of exhaustion brings its own set of challenges and can deplete Qi. Balance is key—engaging in regular, mindful movement supports well-being without overtaxing the body.
Establishing a daily routine, no matter how simple, not only prevents the buildup of stagnation but also strengthens Qi, supports digestion, and balances emotions, fostering a deeper connection to your body and environment. Through movement, we honor the natural flow of life within and around us, creating space for health and vitality.
Tip #2 - Breathe In, Breathe Out
The significance of breath is something we instinctively understand—it doesn’t require rigorous study to recognize its importance. In stressful moments, a simple reminder to take a deep breath can help restore clarity and bring a sense of calm, making it an accessible and useful tool for navigating challenging situations.
Intentional breathing is more than just a tool for relaxation—it has a direct impact on your body's nervous system. Research shows that slow, controlled breathing techniques can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming the body and reducing stress. These breathing practices work by engaging the vagus nerve, a critical pathway that helps lower your heart rate and shift the body into a more relaxed state.
In Chinese medicine theory, the Lungs govern the breath, reflecting an understanding of their vital role that aligns with modern medical knowledge. They are considered the “Commander of Qi”, as they help create Qi from the air we breathe in and help distribute it throughout the body. Weak Lung Qi can result in shortness of breath, a cough, a weak voice, and a weak immune system. The Lungs aren’t the only organ in TCM that play a role in respiration. The Kidneys are said to ‘grasp’ the Qi’, and they anchor breath when we inhale. This means that conditions where inhalation are difficult may be attributed to Kidney dysfunction.
How to practice intentional abdominal breathing
Find a comfortable position, relax the shoulders and sit upright.
Place you hands in your lap or on your knees. Alternatively you can place one hand on the chest and another on the abdomen—this can help you feel the movement of your breath.
Inhale Deeply Through Your Nose: Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose. Focus on expanding your abdomen so that the hand on your belly rises while the hand on your chest stays relatively still.
Exhale Slowly Through Your Nose: Exhale slowly and fully through your nose, letting your abdomen draw inward naturally.
Repeat and practice for 3-5 minutes. The breath should be steady and comfortable, avoiding any strain. If you feel light-headed simply return the breath back to normal.
Tip #3 - Find Stillness
Finding stillness is a powerful tool for self-regulation, offering a way to reset the mind and body amid the constant demands of modern life. In Western society, stillness is often undervalued, overshadowed by the cultural emphasis on productivity and constant activity. The pervasive mindset that equates busyness with success can lead to the perception that moments of stillness are unproductive or even wasteful. This mentality doesn’t leave much room for quiet reflection, rest, or simply being present.
In TCM, stillness is seen as a way to conserve and harmonize Qi (vital energy). Quieting the body and mind allows the organs to function more efficiently, helps stabilize emotions, and promotes clarity. From a TCM perspective, this aligns with the concept of balancing Yin (restorative, calming energy) and Yang (active, outward energy), ensuring neither is overtaxed. Stillness is often recommended to replenish Qi, especially for individuals experiencing stress, fatigue, or emotional imbalance. It’s also linked to calming the Shen (mind/spirit), which is essential for emotional regulation and mental clarity.
Tools to find stillness during the day
Meditation - there is no ‘best’ approach—it could be a breath awareness mediation, focusing on an image in the mind’s eye, or tuning into to emotions such as love, joy, or compassion. Dawn and dusk are said to be ideal times to engage in meditation, but it can be at any time during the day.
Body scan - lay down on a yoga mat or on your bed, find a comfortable position, and close the eyes. Ideally the environment is quiet. Start at the top, bringing your attention to the top of your head, noticing any sensations. Move down gradually, shifting your focus to each part of your body in turn - neck, shoulders, arms, hands, back, hips, legs, and feet. Notice without judgement. After scanning the whole body, lay in stillness for a few minutes taking in how the body feels.
Breath work - simply find a comfortable position, close the eyes, and follow the breath as it occurs naturally, not forcing or controlling it. Or try some intentional abdominal breathing (refer to tip #2).
Device detox - allow some time away from any electronic device (computer, phone, TV) and engage in other activity, such as reading, journaling, stretching, meditation, going for a walk, or any other activity that you enjoy and doesn’t require engaging with technology
While finding stillness at any point of the day is recommended, it can be especially helpful at night—helping quiet the mind, soothe Yang energy, and support the restorative Yin energy critical for a good night's sleep.
