Deepening Understanding Through Clinical Practice and Rereading

As I continue my clinical practice, I realize more each day the importance of learning from experience. At the same time, I have come to feel that taking the time to reread fundamental classics and textbooks is equally important.

Content that I thought I had 'understood' when I first read it can take on a completely different meaning when reread after gaining clinical experience. There are many instances where I realize that what I previously thought I understood was actually only a superficial grasp.

What I feel particularly strongly once again is the high level of perfection in the theory of Yin and Yang. The theory of Yin and Yang is not merely an ancient philosophy; it possesses a highly practical perspective for grasping 'change' and 'balance'.

For example, there was a case where the patient complained of heat in their legs only at dawn, despite having no such heat when going to bed.

This can be interpreted as a failure to sufficiently contain Yang throughout the night due to a deficiency of Yin, which manifests as a relative sensation of heat at dawn.

In such a case, it is important not just to simply cool the heat or merely supplement Yin, but to ensure that the Yang energy functions properly during the day.

Behind the activity of Yang energy, Yin is nurtured.

By being active appropriately during the day and allowing Yang energy to circulate healthily, it becomes easier for it to naturally settle into Yin at night.

Furthermore, the reverse is also true; by sufficiently nourishing Yin, the activity of Yang energy for the following day is also supported.

The circulation of Yin and Yang is established as this kind of bidirectional relationship.

Yin and Yang are not a simple oppositional structure.
That is precisely why a perspective that views the body as an overall flow, rather than suppressing only one aspect, is necessary.

Also, the theory of Yin and Yang has not only a therapeutic theory but also a philosophical aspect regarding how to view nature. Therefore, it cannot be truly mastered just by memorizing it as knowledge. Only by repeatedly comparing it within clinical practice does its depth begin to emerge.

Experience, then read again.

I believe that in this back-and-forth process, basic theory transforms from mere knowledge into a guide for practice.
I feel that the more clinical experience I gain, the more the importance of returning to the basics increases.