Here in Chicago, spring is springing! I am loving the longer days, sun and flowers poking through the fresh ground.

I am one of those people who is energized by the joy of spring. I also recognize that some of you may still have the darkness of winter on your shoulders. Chinese Medicine honors both the dark (yin) and light (yang) that lies within each of us and in nature.

You have all seen the Yin/Yang symbol, right? Do you really know what it means?

The Yin-Yang theory is a concept from ancient Chinese philosophy that describes how opposite forces are interconnected and complementary to each other. It symbolizes the dynamic balance and harmony found in nature and the universe. Yin represents darkness, passivity, and femininity, while Yang represents light, activity, and masculinity. Together, they illustrate the duality and interdependence of all things. In each side there is a small circle of the other color, so in all dark there is light and in all light there is dark.

The process of Substance Use Recovery is a great representation of yin/yang theory. In the depths of my active use, life was dark and heavy (yin). There were snippets of light, but they were few and far between (insert funny story of how I didn’t realize that Friday Night Lights, the TV Show was filming at my job, maybe one day I will tell you that). The first taste of true light (yin) happened as I was in a white van on a winding driveway entering treatment. I felt the release of the dark off my shoulders as I let out a huge sigh and some tears as I checked in for 30 days. The dark lingered as I began the hard work of peeling the onion of emotions that is required to maintain long term recovery and slowly the laughter and joy shined through.

The Serenity Point this week allows us to Awaken our yang energy (light) while gently releasing the yin energy (dark).

Point Name: Du 20

Location: The point is located on the top of the head on the midline, in a subtle depression above the tips of the ears.

Benefits: Calms the Spirit, clears the head, improves sleep, lifts energy and may help with dizziness and vertigo.

Technique: Place yourself in a comfortable position. You can sit, stand, or lie down.

Put your thumbs at the tops of your ears. Then extend your middle fingers to the point where they meet – at the top of your head (crown). There should be a small indent at the point when you place your fingers on the top of the head.
Press down on the point with your fingers. Move them in a circle while applying pressure. You can move it in clockwise (to the right) or counterclockwise (to the left) circles. Do this for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, as often as you feel necessary.

*I typically only use one hand to apply acupressure, but you can use both. Do what feels good to you!

Hope this helps to transform your recovery, one point at a time! As always, please consult your trusted healthcare provider before trying anything new.

SERENITY POINTS: April Serenity Points: Recovery Through Acupressure – Yin Tang

SERENITY POINTS: Transforming Recovery, One Point at a Time by Sober Curator Contributor Lauren McLaughlin

A Disco Ball is Hundreds of Pieces of Broken Glass, Put Together to Make a Magical Ball of Light. You are NOT Broken, Friend. You are a DISCO BALL!

Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.