{"id":413,"date":"2014-11-04T00:18:08","date_gmt":"2014-11-04T00:18:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.yourhealthandlongevity.com\/blog\/?p=413"},"modified":"2015-11-11T21:10:52","modified_gmt":"2015-11-11T21:10:52","slug":"yin-yang","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yourhealthandlongevity.com\/blog\/yin-yang\/","title":{"rendered":"Yin and Yang"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Yin and Yang theory is an ancient concept used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to identify health problems.\u00a0 The theory can be traced back to as far as 700 B.C. where it was referenced in the I Ching, or The Book of Changes. \u00a0Yin and Yang are essentially two properties in the universe that are constantly opposing, yet complementing, each other.\u00a0 The constant activity of the properties is what gives rise to change.<\/p>\n

\"Yin<\/p>\n

In the yin-yang model, the two energies blend into one seamless whole to represent a relationship of harmony<\/strong>.\u00a0 Yin is represented by the color black in the model and contains a \u201cseed\u201d of Yang, which is represented by a white dot.\u00a0 Conversely, Yang is represented by the color white and contains a black \u201cseed\u201d of Yin.\u00a0 The seeds represent the ability of one energy to transform into the other.\u00a0 However, this only takes place under certain conditions, under which the seed can grow.\u00a0 The presence of the seeds within the opposing energy depicts that yin is not only itself, but it is also yang due to the yang energy present within the Yin in the form of a seed and vice versa.\u00a0 The model portrays that these energies are separate, but equal depicting balance<\/strong> in the relationship.\u00a0 This relationship of balance extends to one of harmony because the two energies blend into one seamless whole, which is represented by the swirling in the symbol.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Yin-Yang<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everything is YIN \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 YANG is everything<\/strong>
\nNegative \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Positive
\nFemale \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Male
\nNight \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Day
\nPassive \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Active
\nMoon \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Sun
\nIntuitive \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Logical
\nCold \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Hot
\nSoft \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Hard
\nDeath \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Life
\nStillness \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Movement
\nDark \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Light
\nSubmission \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Dominance
\nWeak \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Strong
\nSmall\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Big
\nHate\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Love<\/p>\n

The Chinese characters for Yin and Yang are very much representative of their meanings and portrayal in the yin-yang model.\u00a0 The Chinese character for Yin represents the shady side of a hill<\/strong>, while the Chinese character for Yang represents the sunny side of a hill<\/strong>.\u00a0 The literal meaning of each character is representative of some of the character\u2019s qualities.\u00a0 Yin is the element of a cycle or process where energy is being accumulated, assimilated, and stored for later use.\u00a0 Yin is often associated with rest, receptivity, and quiet.\u00a0 Yang is the element of a cycle or process where energy is being expended in order to perform an action, or create change.\u00a0 Yang is often associated with action, creativity, and movement.\u00a0 Yin is considered the substance of life and Yang is considered the functional, active aspect of any process or cycle.\u00a0 It is said that the Yin provides sustenance for the Yang and the Yang protects the Yin<\/strong>.\u00a0 Yin and Yang are relative concepts that are both essential to life.\u00a0 Because they are seen as two aspects of the same thing, they are often referred to as two sides of the same coin.<\/p>\n

A Balancing Act \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"balance\"<\/p>\n

The yin and yang energies are opposing forces that compete for dominance, but they do, however, remain complementary, acting in harmony with one another.\u00a0 They are able to do this because dominance is never permanent due to the forces\u2019 ability to transform into one another.\u00a0 Through transformation<\/strong> the forces are able to work to restore balance to the whole.\u00a0 However, transformation may only occur under certain conditions (when the seed can grow) that are determined by internal qualities of given situation or phenomenon.\u00a0 As long as the forces remain within their well-defined limits when competing for dominance, the opposing force will be able to recover.\u00a0 Therefore, under normal circumstances, neither force will go to such an extreme that the opposing force will be unable to recover from it.<\/p>\n

The yin-yang theory is said to be cyclical <\/strong>in nature.\u00a0 We can observe the cycles that occur through the transformation of energy.\u00a0 For example, if Yang is the dominant force, then it will begin to transform into Yin.\u00a0 This transformation of energy will eventually cause Yin to become the dominant force.\u00a0 Yin will then begin to transform into Yang and Yang will dominate, which will start the cycle all over again.\u00a0 There is no \u201con\/off\u201d button for the transformation of energy.\u00a0 Instead there is a system of self-regulation, which makes for a constant game of tug of war.\u00a0 In order to maintain balance, there is a continuous cycle of the transformation of energy that is regulated by the whole.\u00a0 It is this constant activity and self-regulation that is the basis of all existence and change.<\/p>\n

The Yin Yang Theory Applied to Human Physiology<\/strong><\/p>\n

In TCM, yin-yang is used to understand complicated relationships in the body.\u00a0 For example, the characteristics of the left side of the brain can be classified as Yin while the characteristics of the right side of the brain can be classified as Yang.\u00a0 The left side of the brain is associated with logical thinking and characterized by quiet, patience, and being soft-spoken.\u00a0 The right side of the brain is associated with creativity and characterized by loudness, impulsiveness, aggression, and being boastful.\u00a0 When the characteristics of the left and right sides of the brain are compared to those of Yin and Yang, respectively, there is a clear correlation that helps us understand the relationship between both sides.<\/p>\n

If yin-yang theory can be applied to human physiology, then our bodies must have a system of self-regulation to prevent one force from dominating the other.\u00a0 The regulatory mechanism of the human body is called homeostasis<\/strong>.\u00a0 Homeostasis works to maintain a balance where the body is able to maintain proper function.\u00a0 An example of homeostasis at work in the human body is body temperature.\u00a0 Our bodies must maintain a temperature of approximately 98.6\u00b0F (37\u00b0C) to maintain proper functions.\u00a0 If body temperature becomes too high or too low, then that is an indication that something is wrong.\u00a0 If left untreated, abnormal body temperature can lead to hypothermia and cause organs to stop functioning, which can be life threatening.<\/p>\n

The mechanism of homeostasis has developed in humans through evolution making us innately self-regulatory.\u00a0 Every system and function in the body has its own self-regulatory mechanism built-in to maintain balance.\u00a0 When yin-yang is out of balance, unique physiological functions are exhibited to express certain disorders.\u00a0 In TCM, there are certain symptoms that can be identified that correlate with the imbalance of a system. \u00a0TCM practitioners are able to identify these functions, allowing them to accurately diagnose the system in which the problem resides.\u00a0 For example, when there is disharmony in the stomach, symptoms that may be exhibited are dry mouth, thirst, nausea, and\/or vomiting.\u00a0 In order to restore balance to the body we can nurture our innate self-regulatory systems.<\/p>\n

Yin and Yang Organs<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"yin<\/p>\n

In TCM problems that arise in yin or yang organs are considered to be more serious than problems concerning other organs.\u00a0 Disorders in yin or yang organs may be due to the organ itself or it may be caused by a disturbance in the relationship between the organs.\u00a0 Yin organs are located deep within the body and are associated with the manufacturing, storage, and regulation of fundamental substances.\u00a0 Conversely, Yang organs function to receive, separate, distribute, and excrete body substances.\u00a0 Yang organs are hollow and considered to be external.\u00a0 The specified Yin organs, also known as Zang organs, are the lungs, heart, spleen, liver, and kidneys.\u00a0 The Yang organs, or Fu organs, are the large intestine, small intestine, stomach, gallbladder, and bladder.\u00a0 There is, however, an additional Yang organ that is not recognized as an \u201corgan\u201d and has no corresponding structure in Western medicine.\u00a0 This sixth organ is called the triple burner, which is primarily energetic and viewed as the pathway of fluid and heat throughout the body.\u00a0 The relationships between the Yin and Yang organs can be identified by the corresponding colors in the image above.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Four States of Imbalance<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was previously mentioned how the forces of yin and yang energy remain within their limits when competing for dominance, but what happens when they go beyond those limits?\u00a0 When Yin and Yang are out of balance they become separate forces.\u00a0 Upon separation, the dominant force will consume the other force, causing it to exceed its limits. \u00a0When an energy force exceeds the limits it inhibits the self-regulatory mechanism.\u00a0 Therefore, balance cannot be fully restored because energy cannot be transformed to promote recovery.\u00a0 The inhibition of the self-regulatory system could result in the system\u2019s breakdown, which could be detrimental to the wellbeing of the whole, especially when applied to human physiology.\u00a0 Regarding the imbalance of Yin and Yang, there are four possible states that one may encounter.\u00a0 The four states of imbalance are listed below with some basic symptoms.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Excess of Yin<\/strong>
    \n– Sensitive to cold
    \n–\u00a0 Poor circulation
    \n–\u00a0 Pale pink or purpleish\/blueish tongue, possibly swollen
    \n–\u00a0 Profuse thick, white\/clear phlegm
    \n–\u00a0 Decreased appetite
    \n–\u00a0 Abdominal pain
    \n–\u00a0 Lethargic, feels groggy after sleep<\/li>\n
  2. Excess of Yang<\/strong>
    \n– Sensitive to heat
    \n–\u00a0 Strong, rapid pulse and heart beat
    \n–\u00a0 Red face, eyes, and\/or tongue
    \n–\u00a0 Strong cough with phlegm
    \n–\u00a0 Increased appetite and thirst
    \n–\u00a0 Restless, high level of energy
    \n–\u00a0 Trouble sleeping<\/li>\n
  3. Deficiency of Yin<\/strong>
    \n– Rapid, weak pulse and heart beat
    \n–\u00a0 Hungry and thirsty, but cannot eat or drink very much
    \n–\u00a0 Red, dry eyes
    \n–\u00a0 Red cheeks, dry skin
    \n– \u00a0Weak dry cough
    \n–\u00a0 Trouble falling asleep
    \n–\u00a0 Restless, but exhausted<\/li>\n
  4. Deficiency of Yang<\/strong>
    \n– Slow, weak pulse
    \n–\u00a0 Pale tongue
    \n–\u00a0 Dark circles around eyes
    \n–\u00a0 Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
    \n–\u00a0 Decreased appetite and thirst
    \n–\u00a0 Weak\/slow digestion, dull\/achy abdominal pain
    \n–\u00a0 Loss of energy, desire to sleep
    \n–\u00a0 Very cold, sensitive to cold<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    In order for Yin and Yang to be balanced, the forces must mutually consume each other, providing the foundation for constant change.\u00a0 Mutual consumption is made possible through the transformation of energy<\/strong>.\u00a0 In the human body, energy is transferred through a system of meridians, which correspond to organs.\u00a0 These meridians function to maintain a balance between yin and yang elements.\u00a0 Therefore, organ function is related to energy condition.\u00a0 There are a total of 12 meridians that make up a web of channels that supply energy to every part of the body.\u00a0 When Yin and Yang are out of balance, it is reflected by the presence of disruption in the transportation of energy.<\/p>\n

    \"acupuncture_meridians\"<\/p>\n

    TCM practitioners are able to determine energy levels through observation, questioning, and touching certain points, otherwise known as acupoints.\u00a0 Acupoints are points that correspond to certain organs or meridians.\u00a0 They are located along the channels of meridians and are the sites through which energy is transported to the body\u2019s surface.\u00a0 Acupoints are used in acupuncture to clear the affected meridians or organs.\u00a0 Aside from acupuncture, disturbances in energy levels can be treated through massage, nutrition, and\/or herbs.<\/p>\n

    Herbs are quite effective in restoring balance to a system.\u00a0 Every herb has a certain affinity for a particular meridian, which acts as a direct pathway to the corresponding yin-yang organs.\u00a0 An example is the herb aconite.\u00a0 Aconite is probably the strongest herb used to treat yang deficiencies.\u00a0 The organs most susceptible to yang deficiencies are the heart, kidney, and spleen.\u00a0 Aconite acts to warm all of the organs and open all of the channels, particularly targeting the heart, kidney, and spleen.\u00a0 We will go into further detail about how aconite enters and passes through the channels in the next blog post<\/a><\/span>.\u00a0 Stay tuned to learn more about using herbs obtain optimal health and wellness.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The Yin and Yang theory is an ancient concept used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to identify health problems.\u00a0 The theory can be traced back to as far as 700 B.C. where it was referenced in the I Ching, or The Book of Changes. \u00a0Yin and Yang are essentially two properties in the universe that […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":402,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourhealthandlongevity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/413"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourhealthandlongevity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourhealthandlongevity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourhealthandlongevity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourhealthandlongevity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=413"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourhealthandlongevity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/413\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":606,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourhealthandlongevity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/413\/revisions\/606"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourhealthandlongevity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/402"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourhealthandlongevity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourhealthandlongevity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=413"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourhealthandlongevity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}