Yin & Yang
In Chinese philosophy, everything in the universe exists as two opposing yet inter-dependent forces, Yin & Yang. They are two opposites of a whole which cannot exist without each other. Yin & Yang are metaphorical images used to express constantly transforming interactions. They have no fixed, precise definition. Rather, they describe two broad categories of complementary concepts including the relationships of positive and negative, dynamic and inert, creative and destructive, gross and subtle, and kinetic and potential.
| Realm of Nature | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yang | Sun | Bright | Day Morning | Summer Spring |
South East |
Right Above |
Heat Warm | Fire | Non-substantial | Positive | Active |
| Yin | Moon | Dark | Evening Night | Winter Fall |
North West |
Left Below |
Cold Cool | Water | Substantial | Negative | Passive |
Relationship of Yin & Yang
- Yin & Yang are opposites
They are on the opposite ends of a cycle (like the seasons of the year) or opposites on a continuum of energy or matter. This opposition is relative and can only be spoken of in relationships. - Yin & Yang are inter-dependent
Yin & Yang cannot exist without each other. Nothing is totally Yin or totally Yang. Yin creates Yang and Yang activates Yin: as a state of total Yin is reached, Yang begins to grow; Yin contains a seed of Yang and vice versa. - Yin & Yang are inter-transforming
Yin & Yang are never static but in a constantly changing balance. They constantly transform into each other.
Yin & Yang in TCM
In TCM, Yin & Yang concept is applied to understand the complex inter-connections and constant changes in the human body. TCM views the human body as an integrated whole, where all organs and systems are interconnected and interdependent of each other.
| Realm of Human Body | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yang | Male | Young | Exterior (skin, muscles) |
Head | Back | Upper body | 6 Fu Organs |
Qi |
| Yin | Female | Old | Interior (organs) |
Body | Chest Abdomen |
Lower body | 5 Zang Organs | Blood Body Fluids |
Generally, when Yin & Yang are in balance, our body is healthy; but if one force dominates the other, pain and illness will arise. The possible states of Yin & Yang imbalance are:
- Excess of Yin
- Excess of Yang
- Deficiency (weakness) of Yin
- Deficiency (weakness) of Yang
TCM treatment modality aims to restore balance of Yin & Yang by dispersing excess Yin, dispersing excess Yang, tonifying Yin and tonifying Yang, respectively.