Yin and Yang

Yin and Yang theory is a foundational concept in Chinese Medicine. All phenomena has this dualistic nature. According to this theory, the universe and everything in it is governed by two opposing, yet interdependent forces - Yin and Yang.

Yin is often associated with darkness, cold, passivity and stillness, whilst Yang is linked to light, heat, activity and movement. Yin and Yang can’t exist without each other. In terms of our bodies, the balance between Yin and Yang is essential for good health. For example without rest (yin), activity (yang) would be difficult. In the body the dense substance is seen as more Yin in nature, whilst consciousness and action are seen as the Yang expression of the body.

In the clinic, Yin and Yang might be assessed via:

• Tongue and pulse - a yang pulse might be rapid, a yin pulse might be slow.

• Symptoms - these concepts are harder to understand, but we tend to view Yin and Yang in terms of excess and deficiency. For example, when there isn’t enough Yin, we will have symptoms that are warm/hot, dry and restless. For this we might recommend eating lots of vegetables, drinking water, resting and avoiding heating food and drink like spices, coffee and alcohol. When there is not enough Yang, we may see symptoms like cold, lack of circulation, lack of energy, too much moisture (loose bowel, frequent urination, mucous production, oedema etc). For this we would encourage focusing on warmth and rest and introducing more exercise. Warming foods like red meat, ginger, cinnamon, and pepper would be helpful, whilst raw, cold foods would not.

Living in harmony with the Yin and Yang nature of the Universe - Day and Night, Summer and Winter help us to nurture our health.