Neijing Chapter 6
‘Yin and yang are not absolute, but their principle never changes. The law that governs does not falter, although everything around it changes according to the point of reference’

In acupuncture and herbal medicine, the practitioner’s goal is to guide the patient toward a healthier state. This involves moving the patient closer to what can be thought of as the “center”—a state where the body can maintain true equilibrium and optimal health. Imagine this center as the point (0,0) on a graph. Each circle on this graph represents a patient (the size of the circle is irrelevant), and each is positioned away from (0,0). Some patients recognize they are not in true equilibrium, while others perceive their current state as balanced, even if it is not.

When we apply treatment—represented by a directional arrow—patients may begin to move closer to the center. As they do, their frame of reference changes. They might start to feel better, becoming more open to making additional lifestyle changes. These changes could help them realize that their prior state was one of “false equilibrium.”

The journey toward equilibrium is rarely a straight path. Sometimes progress involves detours. For instance, a patient’s current circumstances, such as the demanding lifestyle of a graduate medical student who sleeps less than five hours a night, might limit how close they can get to equilibrium (the dashed line and the blue dot represent this example). No matter how effective the treatment, external factors may constrain the results. However, when those circumstances change (e.g., graduating), the patient can break through those limitations and move closer to balance.

Neijing Chapter 8

‘The principles of healing and medicine in general are difficult to grasp because many changes occur in illness, and the healing process must adapt to that. It becomes difficult to know the root. The origin of illness can be so small and vague, in fact, so elusive, but the illness can still become substantial over time’

Returning to the graph, the circles can represent acute or chronic illnesses, depending on their impact on the patient. As the quote suggests, the origin of an illness may be so subtle that it escapes attention, and patients may not even recall it to report to the practitioner. In many cases, the patient may not truly understand what the root cause is. This makes it more difficult to provide effective treatment. Without uncovering this root cause, there may be a limit to how close the patient can move to (0,0). For example, the dashed line around the blue dot represents the closest point the patient can reach without addressing the root cause.

Dao De Jing Verse 7

The sage puts [their] own views behind – so ends up ahead

Medical professionals should have a perspective on healing but remain adaptable. Confidence in one’s methods is important, but so is a willingness to change course based on evidence from the patient’s experience. An overly rigid approach—“I’m so smart, so I know this patient has [condition] and will get better if I do [treatment]”—is unlikely to lead to success.

Instead, practitioners should strive for humility and continuous learning. By letting the patient’s perspective guide care, practitioners empower them to move closer to their unique vision of balance. Confidence combined with adaptability fosters a partnership that benefits both practitioner and patient.

Dao De Jing Verse 8

The best way to live is to be like water

One who lives in accordance with nature

Does not go against the way of things

[They] move in harmony with the present moment

Always known the truth of just what to do

Water’s path of least resistance can serve as a metaphor for health. Each patient is like a river—some flow to the ocean (0,0), while others flow to lakes. Both outcomes have their own beauty. If a patient reaches a lake and cannot move further, the practitioner’s role is not to force a path to the ocean but to appreciate and support the balance they’ve achieved.

Even if a patient’s journey appears incomplete, nature may eventually provide opportunities for further growth. For instance, water from a lake may evaporate, condense into rain, and flow into a different river. As practitioners, we can guide patients along their current path and trust the natural flow of life to continue their progress.

Tao Te Ching Verse 6

‘It can only be reached through the hidden creator’

Achieving true equilibrium (“absolute (0,0)”) in life may be impractical, even impossible. Perhaps this state represents immortality or ultimate harmony. For practical purposes, we can consider the path to (0,0) as an asymptotic function (see the graph above) —a goal that can be approached but never fully attained.

Early efforts to move closer to equilibrium yield significant results. However, as progress continues, each step requires greater effort for smaller gains. The “hidden creator” mentioned in the verse can be interpreted as nature itself. By aligning our lives with natural rhythms and the seasons, we can achieve health and longevity, even if true equilibrium remains out of reach.

Moving toward a better state of health is a dynamic and evolving process. Whether through acupuncture, herbal medicine, or lifestyle changes, the journey is about aligning with nature and making sustainable progress toward balance. As practitioners, our role is to guide patients along their unique paths, celebrating each step toward health and harmony.

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