The occurrence of a disease is the outcome of imbalance between yin and yang. All the methods of treatment should aim at reconciling the two and restoring them to a condition of relative balance. In acupuncture treatment, points on the right side may be selected to treat disorders of the left side and vice versa, while points on the lower portion of the body may be selected to treat disorders of the upper portion and vice versa. All these methods are based on the concept of regarding the body as an organic whole, and the aim of treatment is to readjust the relation of yin and yang and promote circulation of qi and blood. The theory of the five elements holds that wood, fire, earth, metal and water are basic materials constituting the material world.
Chinese medicine is in classifying into different categories natural phenomena.
This theory is used as a guide in medical practice. Attributes of the five elements People live in nature. The natural environment greatly influences our physiological activities. The theories of yin-yang and the five elements are two outlooks on nature in ancient China. These theories are of practical significance in explaining physiological activities and explaining pathological changes in guiding medical practice.