Introduction to Yin and Yang Yin and Yang pronounced yong, as in 'gong' is one of the most fundamental concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM , as it is the foundation of. The earliest reference to Yin and Yang is in the I Ching Book of Changes in approximately in 700 BC. In this work, all phenomena are said to be reduced to Yin-Yang. This opposition is relative, and can only be spoken of in relationships. For example: Water is Yin relative to steam but Yang relative to ice. Yin and Yang are never static but in a constantly changing balance. Nothing is totally Yin or totally Yang. Just as a state of total Yin is reached, Yang begins to grow. Yin contains seed of Yang and vise versa. They constantly transform into each other. For Example: no energy without matter, no day without night. Normally this is a harmonious change, but when Yin or Yang are out of balance they affect each other, and too much of one can eventually weaken consume the other. One can change into the other, but it is not a random event, happening only when the time is right. For example: Spring only comes when winter is finished. Combining the two, we have the four stages of Yin and Yang... With addition of an extra line, the Eight Trigrams Ba Gua were formed, illustrating all the directions. The Eight Trigrams were combined to form 64 hexagrams, symbolizing all possible phenomena of the Universe. Yin Yang had been understood for many centuries, but was systematically elaborated and written down by Tsou Yen of the Yin Yang Naturalist School in the Warring States Period 476-221 BC. The Naturalist school promoted idea of living in harmony with natural laws. Scholars of this school interpreted natural phenomena and observed how these are reflected in the human body in health and disease. Yin and Yang and the Five Elements became an integral part of Chinese philosophy. The ancients observed 2 phases of constant cyclical change. This can be seen in the changes of four seasons, and the changes throughout a single day , as seen below. These transform into one another. They are 2 states of a continuum. Yin Yang Produces form Produces energy Grows Generates Substantial Non-substantial Matter Energy Contraction Expansion Descending Rising Below Above Water Fire Yin and Yang in Medicine All physiological processes, signs and symptoms can be reduced to Yin-Yang. Back contains spine that holds ribs: protection. When human depicted as crouching, back receives sun Yang and front faces the earth Yin , is in shade and is protected. All Yang channels except the Stomach channel flow on the dorsal or dorsolateral surface of the trunk and limbs. They carry Yang energy and protect the body from pathogenic factors. Yin channels flow on the anterior or anteromedial surface of the trunk and limbs. Body and Head Yang channels either end or begin on the head. Acupuncture points on the head can be used to raise Yang energy. When Yang energy is not cooled by Yin, it may rise to the head, causing signs such as red face and eyes. The head is easily affected by Yang pathogens such as heat and wind. The chest and abdomen Yin areas are more easily affected by Yin pathogens such as Cold and Dampness. Interior and Exterior The exterior of the body such as the skin and muscles is more Yang. The exterior protects body from attack by external pathogenic influences such as Cold, Wind, etc. Below the waist and Above the Waist Below waist - closer to earth Yin. Above, closer to Heaven Yang. Upper part more affected by Yang pathogens, i. Lower part more affected by Yin pathogens, i. Even within the Yang category of function, there are Yin functions i. Note: there are several types of Qi. Each is relatively more Yin or Yang. Ancestral QI more Yin, more slow moving. Moves in long slow cycles. Ying Qi more Yang than Ancestral Qi, moves with Blood with which it is closely related. Ying is more Yin than Wei Qi. Wei Qi the most Yang form of Qi. Yang Organs constantly transform, transport and excrete the products of digestion. Yin and Yang in Pathology Clinical signs and symptoms can be interpreted via Yin-Yang theory. When Yin Yang are in dynamic balance and relating harmoniously, there are no symptoms to observe. When Yin and Yang are out of balance, they become separated. For example Actual symptoms depend on specific pathologies, which Organ involved, etc. We all do, but Ads keep the lights on and the content free. Degenerative disease Inflammatory disease Pale tongue, white coat Red tongue, yellow coat Empty pulse Full pulse In Practice: Although Yin-Yang is essential for understanding symptoms and signs, the above list of signs is too general. We need to distinguish further to get exact diagnosis. Structure and Function - Without structure, function could not occur. Without function, structure would be meaningless. Four different situations: For additional signs and symptoms for general deficiency and excess of Yin and Yang, please see the in the area. This is an Excess Cold Full Cold condition. This is an Excess Heat Full Heat condition. This is Deficiency Heat Empty Heat condition i. This is an Deficiency Cold Empty Cold condition i. The right moment determined by internal qualities of the given situation or phenomenon. In clinical practice, the above principle is very important. Disease is prevented by living a balanced lifestyle, like the examples below. The principle is observable in pathological changes seen in disease, like the examples below. References Used The TCM information presented here has been referenced from numerous sources; including teachers, practitioners, class notes from , the following books, as well as other sources. If you have benefited from this information, please consider supporting the authors and their works by purchasing the books below.
