The Balance of Yin & Yang — The Foundations of Chinese Medicine

Chinese philosophy views Yin & Yang (Yang pronounced as in ‘yawng’) as the absolute foundational principles of the universe. The balance and dance between these two forces guide not just our lives and health, but all of reality itself. In the body, they are in simplest terms thought of as Water & Fire — our ‘substance and function’, or even ‘anatomy & physiology’. There are 5 aspects to Yin & Yang:

1. They are opposites.
2. They are interdependent.
3. They consume each other.
4. They transform into each other.
5. They can be subdivided infinitely. (A very interesting aspect, as Yin and Yang are relative terms. The roots of a tree are more Yin when compared with the trunk. But the trunk becomes more Yin when compared to the branches.)

© Matt Walton 2018

In the body, aspects of Yin and Yang can become excessive or insufficient (another example of Yin & Yang states), leading to predictable signs and symptoms based on their natures. While this may seem confusing at first, after grasping the concept it becomes quite intuitive. We can then begin to see where our lives are out of balance — and what to do to restore harmony. The patterns below can be acquired, can be ‘constitutional’ and can overlap: as Water first rises, then puts out fire; or Fire first grows, then dissolves Water. Let’s explore these primary variables of imbalance.

© Matt Walton 2018

INSUFFICIENT YIN

Referring to the graph above, if the Yin (cooling/moistening) principles are insufficient, which is to say that that our bodies built in fire hydrant system ha run dry, Yang ‘warm’ symptoms appear to be more prevalent despite a normal amount. This gives rise to false heat symptoms, like the dry-heat experienced if you are dehydrated. This is a slow-moving pattern, and develops gradually.

• CAUSES: Long hours of overwork, excessive spicy foods, prolonged exposure to dry environments, excessive debauchery (lack of sleep, sex, smoking, drinking, recreational drugs etc.), prolonged fever or heavy blood loss.
• BALANCING PRINCIPLE: Replenish Yin with cooling & moistening foods and rest.

EXCESSIVE YIN

The term ‘Yin’ always refers to a beneficial substance. However, if we were to imagine that our “cup of Yin” were to overflow, as the graph shows, then this overflow becomes known as ‘Dampness’ (discussed later) and/or “Cold”. Dampness is manifests as weight gain or excessive mucus discharges. If we are hypothermic, external cold overcomes our internal heat. Cold contracts and causes things to slow down — so sharp pains often accompany this condition, alongside literal cold temperatures.

• CAUSES: Excessive cold foods (salads, fruits, iced drinks, especially in the winter), prolonged exposure to cold/damp temperatures.
• BALANCING PRINCIPLE: Reduce Yin with hot/warming or drying foods and warm temperatures.

INSUFFICIENT YANG

Again, reviewing the graph, if the Yang (warmth) becomes deficient, Yin ‘cold’ symptoms appear to be more prevalent, while they may actually remain in balance. This is called false cold due to depletion of our internal core Yang fire. To distinguish the difference between ‘Excessive Yin’, when examined by a TCM practitioner the body’s symptoms point to deficiency not excess. This is often a state of severe exhaustion or burn-out.

• CAUSES: Excessive physical work, diet (not enough warming foods), excessive sexual activity, poor metabolism
• BALANCING PRINCIPLE: Revitalize Yang with warming & nourishing foods & teas.

EXCESSIVE YANG

This is a common state today, with many people being stressed while eating excessive chemical-laden inflammatory diets. A common manifestation of this (but not by definition) is high blood pressure or heart disease: the system is simply overburdened by excess inflammation. Just as the term ‘Yin’ can only be a beneficial substance, the same applies to Yang. So, when our cup of Yang overflows, it then becomes known as “Heat” or “Fire”.

• COMMON CAUSES: Excessive repressed emotions or emotional disturbances, stress, diet (too much red meat, spices, alcohol, toxins
• BALANCING PRINCIPLE: Reduce Yang with cold and cooling foods and calming environments.

As mentioned at the start of the article, Yin & Yang can be “infinitely sub-divided” meaning that beyond these primary examples, a trained TCM practitioner can zoom into Yin & Yang states of imbalance in organ systems and increasingly more subtle patterns. The very broad states of imbalance above essentially never exists as simply as described as often we can have excess in one system and deficiency in another, heat/dryness here coexisting with cold/dampness there.

To keep exploring more, follow me on social media — I’m everywhere! Or just skip ahead & grab a copy of “The Inspired Health Handbook” — and recieve a special offer for me to customize your copy based on your unique TCM diagnosis. Tap here to learn more!

(Both the article and charts are excerpts from “The Inspired Health Handbook”, © Matt Walton 2018)