Balance and Imbalance

In Chinese Medicine we talk a lot about balance and imbalance in the body and mind. Through acupuncture the intention is to help the body move to a more balanced state so that the systems of the body work optimally. In reality there is no such thing as a state of perfect balance. We are constantly changing and responding to life, we can experience stress in the morning and peace in the afternoon, we may be fighting an infection while going about our day. Although perfect balance is unobtainable, we can make the steps towards it.

Acupuncture facilitates moving the body towards balance by affecting the central nervous system which controls functions like blood circulation, breathing and the nervous system. It releases muscle tension, supports the immune system and stimulates the body to release feel good hormones.

Although acupuncture is great for bringing balance, it is important we live a balanced life. I have listed below some ways to promote balance to the best of our ability.

1. Mental / emotional world - I honestly feel like this is the most important one. Our unprocessed feelings, thinking patterns that do not serve us and self- perception, life perspective have massive affects on our health

   
   

2. Movement - physical movement is so important, and in Chinese Medicine we want the Qi to flow, when there is obstruction of Qi, that is when health issues arise. However, we do want balance and know what the right amount is appropriate for us. Over exercise and under exercise can both be damaging.

   
   

3. Playfulness - Fun - Joy - I fully believe we need these to contribute to being in balance. These states promote our Qi to flow and in turn helps with our mental / emotional state which affects our body as a whole.

   
   

4. Connection - We need to connect with people and/or animals to feel balanced. Connection can be deep conversations, curling up with your pet, silence and holding hands, or simply saying hi to someone on a walk.

   
   

5. Nature - We are part of nature. Taking time to experience the outdoors is of so much benefit. It is unnatural to spend long amounts of time inside between concrete walls.

   
   

6. Diet - Eating a wide range of different foods and eating foods appropriate to our current state of health . You can look at my blog on digestion to find out more.

   
   

7. Technology - nowadays most of us spend so much time on screens, playing video games listening to the radio and podcasts. It can be over stimulating for our system and also detach us from people, nature and reality.