Breaking Down the Difference Between Yin and Yang in TCM
The Concept of Yin and Yang
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The concept of yin and yang is at the core of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Although the notion of yin and yang may seem very simple, it can become very profound once you begin applying it to all aspects of life. The concept of Yin and Yang is more than one of mere opposites.
In fact, yin and yang represent opposite but complementary qualities. They are not static, opposite states; they transform into each other. A simple example of this is the way night (yin in quality) is transformed into day (yang in quality).
The History of Ying and Yang
The Book of Changes, which dates to 700 BC, is believed by some to be the first mention of Yin Yang theory. TCM is based on observations in the natural world and how they may relate to the human body.
The universe is the macrocosm, and we are the microcosmic expression of the universe. The majority of TCM theories are based on this concept, and yin yang theory is the very foundation of these concepts.
Qualities and Characteristics of Yin
Yin is material in form; it is substance. Yin represents feminine energy that contracts and descends. Yin is associated with water, darkness, and cold in nature.
Winter is yin within yin, whereas autumn is yin within yang.
Physically, yin represents our chest, abdominal area, blood, and bodily fluids. When yin and yang are out of balance and there is an excess of yin in the body, pathological symptoms such as loose stools, weak breathing, cold limbs and body, sleepiness, or chronic disease can materialize.
Qualities and Characteristics of Yang
Yang is immaterial; it is non-substantial. Yang represents masculine energy that expands and rises. Yang produces energy and is associated with fire, light, and heat in nature.
Summer is yang within yang, whereas spring is yang within yin.
Physically, yang represents our back and head. Yang also represents our qi (energy). When there is a surplus of yang in our body, we can experience restlessness, insomnia, thirst, rapid onset of illness, constipation, and acute diseases.
Yin and Yang are in a constant state of change. When one increases, the other is consumed. In a perfect world, we would remain in a state of complete balance and harmony. Many things factor into a potential imbalance such as our diet, emotions, lifestyle, environmental factors, climate, and even our family medical history.
What Affects Yin Yang Balance?
Aging, a completely natural process, directly affects our yin yang balance. In general, as men age their yang begins to decline, which explains why they may feel colder than usual or more easily fatigued. As women age, the decrease in their levels of yin helps to explain hot flashes, feeling warmer in general, and having a harder time sleeping through the night.
It is said that all disease, pathologies, and illness can be broken down into yin or yang imbalance in its simplest form. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs, lifestyle, and diet are great ways to restore harmony in the body. If you are interested in learning more about how to rebalance your body, book an acupuncture treatment today at Saffron and Sage.
Maciocia, G. (2015). The foundations of Chinese medicine: A comprehensive text. Elsevier.