The Art of Balance

Lately, “balance” has been a recurring theme among many patients in the clinic.

It’s a concept deeply rooted in classical Chinese philosophy, embodied by the interplay of yin and yang. Yet, in the complexities of modern life, achieving balance often feels elusive. The Chinese did not see balance as a static state but rather as a rhythmic dance—an ever-shifting interplay of opposing yet complementary forces that shape our health and daily experiences. It lies between stillness and movement, rest and action, calm and chaos.

As an acupuncturist, balance is at the heart of how I help people heal. It is also ever-present in the world around us, reflected in the changing seasons, the cycles of nature, and the constant state of change in which we exist. It reminds me of the Japanese phrase "ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会)” or "one time, one meeting." Each moment is singular, never to be repeated in exactly the same way. When we recognise this, we begin to see that balance is not something to be grasped but something to be felt and adjusted to, moment by moment.

Why Is Balance So Important?

When we find balance, we feel centred—better able to navigate life with resilience and contentment. When we are out of balance, the ground beneath us feels unsteady, making life’s challenges harder to bear. But true balance is not about rigid control or striving to master every aspect of life. Instead, it often comes from surrender—learning to move with life rather than against it. This wisdom is beautifully captured in the Zhuangzi, a classical Chinese text from the fourth century BC:

"The wise man knows that it is better to sit on the banks of a remote mountain stream than to be emperor of the whole world."

To me, the "emperor of the whole world" represents the relentless pursuit of status, success, and control—pressures that modern society often imposes on us. Yet, happiness is not found in endless striving. It is found in presence, in appreciating simplicity, and in aligning with life’s natural rhythms.

Chinese philosophy teaches us that deep wellbeing comes from knowing:

• Who we are and what truly matters to us
  
• When to act, or work hard, and when to rest
  
• When to hold on and when to let go

Sitting still—whether metaphorically or physically—can feel incredibly difficult in a world that constantly demands movement. We run in our minds, chase responsibilities, and juggle family, work, and expectations. Yet balance is not about perfection; it is not an end state to be achieved. Rather, it is about learning to adjust and live in harmony with life’s natural flow.

I hope acupuncture serves as a tool in this process, offering you a moment of pause—a breath amid the busyness. It creates a space to sit by the banks of that remote mountain stream, to reconnect with what is essential, and to rest in the present moment.

Because in the end, balance is not something we find. It’s something we cultivate.