The practice of acupuncture is rooted in the philosophy of Zhong Yi 中医 and it has 2 main principles.
The first is the principle of Zhong中. This means middle, balance, or center. In the most simple terms we are trying to balance the body. If something is hot we treat it with cold. If something is weak, we strengthen it.
The second is the principle of Yi医. Yi refers to the medical modalities used within TCM to bring balance back to the body to restore health. These modalities include acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine, tuina etc. These modalities correct the direction, location and timing of the flow of Qi. Qi flows through certain meridians in the body at certain times. When this flows correctly, there is health. If this does not flow correctly, health suffers. Even if your body has enough Qi, if it is not flowing in the correct direction to the correct locations at the RIGHT time your health can suffer.
The Fishpond Metaphor
In general, acupuncture helps our bodies create an environment where health always thrives. Let’s think about a fishpond. In the pond there are fish along with good and bad bacteria. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work to create a healing environment where the bad bacteria naturally die and the fish and good bacteria continue to live and grow. This obviously does not happen overnight, which is why reaching your health goals with acupuncture takes time. Essentially acupuncturists are repairing an entire holistic system so that it can sustain and heal itself by living in homeostasis.
Let’s look at this fishpond example again. In general, Western medicine works more on targeting the bad bacteria. It is very efficient and can quickly get rid of the bad stuff that causes harm to the body. Sometimes this treatment can be very strong and also kill the fish and good bacteria that create the ecosystem of the fishpond. When this happens, sometimes more problems can arise.
The combination of both Eastern and Western medicine works the best when it comes to treating your health. Harmful factors in the body can be rid of quickly while also maintaining an environment that supports health.