What is Yin and Yang?

You have probably seen the above symbol. That is the symbol of “Yin” and “Yang”.

According to classical Chinese philosophy, Yin and Yang are the natural order of the Universe. Everything in the world can be explained by Yin and Yang. Therefore the Theory of Yin and Yang has not only been applied to Chinese Medicine (CM) but also in military, politics, business, astrology, martial arts, etc.

“Yin and Yang are the laws of heaven and earth, the principle of all things, the parents of all changes, the root of life and death.”

~ Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine

So, what exactly is Yin Yang?

Basics of Yin and Yang

Ancient Chinese people had observed the cyclical alternation of day and night. The original meaning of Yin means “the shady side of the hill”. While Yang means “the sunny side of the hill”.

Over time, people had observed and concluded that everything in the Universe has two opposite aspects, such as bright and dark, hot and cold, male and female, life and death, etc.

Therefore the concept of Yin and Yang has extended to represent the two opposites of an object or phenomenon. While Yin represents the more passive and static aspect, Yang represents the more active and energetic aspect. See the table below for some examples:

Properties of Yin and Yang

Yin and Yang are Mutually Dependent on each other. They cannot exist without each other. For example, if there is no “Up”, there will be no”Down”, If there is no “Cold”, there will be no “Hot”. The two are of equal status, one is not more important than the other.

It must also be noted that Yin and Yang are not absolute, but relative. For example, Spring comparing to Winter is Yang. However, if Spring is to compare with Summer, it is Yin. Therefore Yin and Yang properties can change with time and application.

Yin and Yang are not static, it is always changing. Every movement or change is a result of the interactions between Yin and Yang. Every phenomenon in the universe alternates through a cyclical movement of peaks and troughs, and the alternation of yin and yang is the motive force of its change and development.

Also, Yin and Yang can be Divided Infinitely. For example daytime is Yang and nighttime is Yin. However, daytime and nighttime can be further divided.

Daytime can be divided into morning and afternoon. Morning is “Yang within Yang” since the Yang-Energy ascends thus the temperature is rising in the morning. Afternoon is “Yin within Yang” since the Yang-Energy starts to descend while the Yin-Energy starts to ascend.

Night can be divided into anterior night and posterior night. The anterior night is “Yin within Yin” since the Yin-Energy ascends, the temperature gets colder. Posterior night is “Yang within Yin” since Yin-Energy descends and Yang-energy rises thus approaching sun-rise.

Interactions between Yin and Yang

The universe contains Yin and Yang in a dynamic balance. Within the body, the relationship between yin and yang is constantly changing.

There is a mutual restraint between Yin and Yang. For example, humans keep their body temperature in a certain range. That is the mutual restraint of Yin and Yang. It restricts the body temperature from going too high or too low. When mutual restraint of the opposing forces become out of control there will be imbalance, thus disease and illness occur.

There is also an inter-consuming relationship between Yin and Yang. When one is increased, the other is consumed. For example, in the early mornings the “Yang Energy” increases and the “Yin Energy” decreases. Thus the temperature rises.

Lastly, there is a Mutual Transformation of Yin and Yang. This is when extreme Yin transforms into Yang, and extreme Yang transforms into Yin. For example, the phrase “calm before the storm” perfectly describes when Yin reaches its extreme, it will start becoming Yang. And vice versa, after the storm, nature will calm down. Then to a certain point, a storm will appear again. This is the cycle of Yin and Yang.

Yin Yang Symbol 

The Yin Yang Symbol (or the Taichi/taiji symbol) is often seen but it is rarely explained.

The circle is a symbol of ALL. The circle encloses everything in the Universe. Everything then can be separated into Yin and Yang. White represents Yang and black represents Yin.

You can see that there is a black dot within the white and a white dot within black. That symbolizes there is no such thing as “pure Yin” or “pure Yang”. There is always “Yin within Yang” and “Yang within Yin”.

Supposedly, this should be a 3D graph. Yin and Yang are dynamic and are in constant movement and are constantly revolving. But unfortunately in ancient times, we don’t have computers so a 2D symbol was designed.

Applications of Yin and Yang

As I explained previously, Balance is the key to optimal health. And the Yin Yang theory can help explain in further detail what exactly is achieving balance.

When the balance is disturbed, disharmony afflicts the mind, body, spirit, and disease can take root. No matter how complicated, all symptoms and signs can be generally described using Yin and Yang theory.

In Summary, there are five basic “Yin Yang imbalances”.

1. Excess in Yin

2. Excess in Yang

3. Deficiency in Yin

4. Deficiency in Yang

5. Yin and Yang Deficiency

Each one of the above has different symptoms and signs. It is important for CM doctors to diagnose and figure which imbalance the patients have so the correct way of healing can be implemented.

When you achieve a balance of Yin and Yang in the body, you become healthy. Optimal health equals Yin Yang Balance. In general, the healing principles are “Replenish what is in deficiency, reduce what is in excess”.  

For example, when there is an excess Yin, CM doctors can use acupuncture or herbs to reduce the Yin. Or when there is a deficiency in Yang, CM doctors will replenish Yang to gain back the balance.

In conclusion, to achieve optimal health, we need to learn the concepts of Yin and Yang. Then apply it to achieve Yin-Yang balance within our body. The Yin Yang balance of our diet, exercise, work, emotion is essential in preventing diseases and illnesses.

In the next article, I will introduce you to another fundamental Chinese philosophy that is widely applied in CM. That is the theory of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water).

After learning about Yin and Yang, are you seeing the world differently? What have you observed? And how can you apply Yin and Yang in your daily life? Comment below.

Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac), Alex Hui created this blog to share with the world the treasures in Chinese Medicine (CM).