Yin Yang Theory | Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Yin Yang Theory

By: ©Catherine Browne, L.Ac., MH, Dipl.Ac.

Traditional Chinese Medical Theory dictates that all of

the energies in the body must be balanced relative to

one another in order for there to be good health and

vitality. Therefore, the Yin (substance) must be balanced

with the Yang (energy), the organs must harmoniously work in unison, and the emotions must be stable.

Yin is substance to the body like a log is substance to a fire. It is necessary to first rebuild the Yin so that the Yang energy can burn long and bright. There is no absolute Yin, or absolute Yang, as indicated in the Yin / Yang emblem shown above. There is a bit of Yin (small circle) in Yang and there is a bit of Yang in Yin.

Also, the circular fish tail demonstrates that Yin and Yang are flowing and ever changing. Extreme Yin will transform to Yang, and visa versa. This is demonstrated in the body by a sprained ankle; first, the ankle is hot and inflamed. As this Yang condition transforms to Yin, the swelling goes down and the ankle becomes stiff. All disease patterns will go through Yin and Yang phases.

The root of many of the ideas within Chinese medicine lies in the concept of Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are emblems of the fundamental duality in the universe, a duality that is ultimately unified. Yin and Yang are complementary, and not contradictory. Nor is one regarded as “good” and the other “bad”.

Rather, a harmony is sought between Yin and Yang, and any imbalance avoided. Yin is matter like blood, fluids and tissue in the body. Yang is the action potential, Qi, and heat in the body. Chinese medicine balances Yin and Yang and can also build these qualities in the body when they are deficient. No one person is completely Yin or Yang; rather, one would look for tendencies and patterns, and weigh them out; one organ system may have Yang excess while another organ system in the same body can have Yang deficiency.

Tonic Herbs are vital in rebuilding Yin & Yang in the body. With a majority of Yin excess/Yang deficient signs, Chinese Yang Tonic Herbs would be more appropriate. With Yang excess, or Yin deficient signs, Chinese Yin Tonics are most appropriate.

Yin Excess / Yang Deficiency Signs in Chinese Medicine:

Feeling cold

Diarrhea-loose stools

Aversion to cold

No thirst

Lack of circulation

Low blood pressure

Poor appetite

Can't taste foods

Clear vaginal discharges

Clear urine

Clear phlegm from sinuses or lungs

No sweating

Slowness

Sleep allot

White coat on tongue

Pale, frigid appearance

Achy pain in joints or muscles

Cold extremities

Poor digestion

Tendencies toward stagnation

Depression

Emaciation

Obesity

Stillness, weakness

Limp posture

Soft, low voice

Soft sighs

Pale lips, wet

Faint body odor

Light loose stool

Yang Excess / Yin Deficient Signs in Chinese Medicine

Constipation

Thirst

Dark yellow urine

Craving for cold

Blood in the nose, stool, urine

Yellow, green mucus

Red tongue, possibly with yellow coat

Burning BM

Infections

Inflammation

Dryness

Overactive-easily excited

Aggression, irritability

Red face

Sticky, thick excretions

Loud, heavy respiration

Erect posture

Loud voice

Red skin

Cracked, dry lips

Strong body odor

Dark, hard stools

Aversion to heat

Fast pulse

Sweats easily

Strong appetite

Fever

Warm skin

Yin - Yang Theory

The theory of Yin Yang finds its origins in Taoism, and The Tao is an undifferentiated whole; it describes how things work in the universe and how things work in our bodies. Again, it must be understood that things are only Yin and Yang in comparative situations. An example: warm liquid is Yang compared to Cold liquid, but warm liquid is Yin compared to hot liquid. There is no absolute Yin or absolute Yang. Furthermore, Yin and Yang are constantly transforming in to each other, so it is not a stagnant manifestation.

Yin Yang Relationships:

Yin - Yang

Cold - Hot

Death - Birth

Weakness - Strength

Peaceful Solitude - Agitation

Contraction - Expansion

Heavy - Light

Slow - Fast

Stagnation - Movement

Interior - Exterior

Night - Day

Winter - Summer

Deficient - Excess

Downward - Upward

Inward - Outward

Abdomen - Back

Deep - Floating

Earth - Heaven

Female - Male

Structure - Function

If you feel that you are Kidney Deficient, but are not showing definitive signs of Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidney Yang Deficiency, we have several formulas that are neutral and address Kidney Deficiency: Sage Mountain Formula, Return to Spring Formula, and Resilient Warrior Formula.

For information on Chinese Medicine, visit the National Library of Medicine, the The Chinese Medical Journal, or Chinese Medicine News. This is not an endorsement of these organization, just a resource guide.

It is known that our nervous system has two functional modes; the Sympathetic & Para-sympathetic. We are supposed to live in the parasympathetic mode that promotes a "rest and digest" response and a calming of the nerves to preserve adrenal health.

Unfortunately, many of us are caught up in an unhealthy loop of emotional responses to life's every day stresses putting us in the Sympathetic mode that promotes a "fight or flight" response inhibiting digestion, increasing the heart rate, constricting blood vessels, inhibiting reproduction responses, and causing our body to consume tissue for quick energy. This causes adrenal exhaustion. Our Enlightened Emperor Formula helps to prevent stress responses that will negatively impact your health.

Yin Valley Formula actually contains the active chemical constituents to rebuild health and reverse the damage done over the years through chronic stress, and reverses adrenal exhaustion. Blood is considered a Yin substance, and Yin Valley Formula builds Blood in cases of Anemia, or Blood Deficiency. In Chinese medicine, you can be Blood Deficient without actual anemia, as it signifies that there is not enough blood circulating to nourish the organs and skin. Chronic dry skin is a classic sign of Yin Deficiency, as well as afternoon and night sweats. In cases of Blood Deficiency, Restore the Middle Way Spleen Qi tonic is combined with Yin Valley for optimal Blood production.

Adrenal Exhaustion is considered a 'Kidney Deficient' pattern in Chinese medicine, and you could be Kidney Yin Deficient, as well as Kidney Yang Deficient. If you feel cold all of the time, it may be necessary to add Ancestor Treasure Formula, a Kidney Yang Tonic, to Yin Valley Formula for a complete recovery for adrenal exhaustion. Click here for help in choosing the correct Kidney Tonic Formula.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Imbalances and Deficiency:

Thyroid and adrenal diseases.

Weakness of bones and the spine, lessened bone density.

Afternoon and night sweats.

Low energy, loss of vitality

Fear, panic attacks, phobias and anxiety.

Premature aging including graying of hair and hair loss.

Memory loss, ankle edema.

Sexual dysfunctions including impotence.

Infertility.

Urinary disorders.

Tinnitus or ringing in the ear.

Often an underlying issue with asthma.

The Kidney Organ System is part of the Water Element in Chinese Medicine. If you feel that you are Kidney Deficient, but are not showing definitive signs of Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidney Yang Deficiency, we have several formulas that are neutral and address Kidney Deficiency: Sage Mountain Formula, Return to Spring Formula, and Resilient Warrior Formula.

Herbs to Support Kidney Yin:

Rehmannia glutinosa - shu di huang

A Kidney Yin tonic and longevity herb, rehmannia is an important herb in Chinese medicine. Rehamania is a first-class blood tonic and is also the main ingredient in the best selling diabetes formula in Japan. This Yin tonic nourishes Blood, and is said to even nourish Essence. It is commonly used in cases of dizziness and tinnitus due to Kidney defiency. It is even appropriate for insomnia and palpitations due to Heart Blood Deficiency.

Ligustrum lucidum - nu zhen zi

A Kidney Yin and Liver tonic, ligustrum is said by the Chinese to prolong life. It is a significant immune enhancing agent. It is also used as a blood tonic. It also improves vision. Modern research shows that the plant increases the white blood cell counts and is used to prevent bone marrow loss in cancer chemotherapy patients. It also has anti-tumor qualities. Ligustrum is often used to treat respiratory tract infections and hypertension.

Morus Albus -sang shen - White Mulberry fruit spike

Builds blood, nourishes yin and moistens the intestines; this fruit is often used for constipation due to blood defiency. This herb is appropriate wasting and thirsting conditions seen in diabetes. Traditionally used in China to restore hair color in cases of premature graying of the hair.

Paeonia lactiflora -bai shao - White peony root

White peony root acts on the Liver and Spleeen organ systems mainly and is cooling in nature. It moistens and soothes Liver Qi Stagnation while building andpurifying Blood. A top longevity herb, peony and moderates our nutritive and protective levels (wei qi or immune modulator). White peony root is quite soothing to the emotions and dispels nervous tension.

Dioscorea opposita - shan yao -

Benefits the Lungs, Kidneys and Spleen. Dioscorea builds Spleen Qi, which results in a strong digestion and metabolism. Dioscorea is very effective at treating diarrhea. In Chinese medicine, the Spleen plays a pivotal role in building Blood and supporting Yin.

Eclipta prostrata-han lian cao

A rejuvenating tonic for the Liver Yin and Kidney Yin; eclipta protects the Liver. Eclipta cools the blood and stops bleeding such as uterine bleeding, blood in the stool, coughing up blood, nosebleed, or blood in the urine.

Polygonum multiflorum-he shou wu - fo ti

In China, it is said that long-term use of this famous "longevity herb" helps return an aging person to youthfulness. It strengthens the back. The literal translation of the name is "black-haired Mr. He" refers to its ability to restore hair color and nourish the skin, hair, teeth and nails. It is a classic essence tonic and major blood tonic that cleanses and builds blood.

Sesame Indicum-hei zhi ma-Black Sesame Seed

Black sesame seed is a fabulous longevity herb that focuses on nourishing the Liver and Kidney organ systems. In addition to its essence-building capacity, Black Sesame also builds blood, supports Yin, and moistens the intestines.

Schisandra chinensis-wu wei zi

Schizandra is a famous tonic historically consumed by Chinese royalty. It is renowned as a beauty tonic and is considered to be a youth preserving herb. It has been used for centuries to make the skin soft, moist and radiant. It is used in many tonic formulations as an "astringent" and can stop night sweats and keep fluids from "leaking out".

Angelica sinensis-dang gui

Dang Gui is a well known herb in the west as a women's herb, but it is also one of the best herbs for building Blood and invigorating the Blood, especially when blood has been stagnated by cold. Dang gui harmonizes the Blood and menstrual disorders and is a Blood Tonic for Blood Deficiency.

Dendrobium-she hu-Orchid

This variety of Chinese orchid is an excellent Yin tonic and longevity herb. It is said to quickly and effectively replace spent "adaptive energy". When combined with licorice root, it is also called "healer's tea," because it is said to provide healing energy which can be transmitted to others and replace spent healing energy. Orchid is commonly used in Asia to moistens the Stomach and Lungs. It can be very effective in treating problems like dry mouth, thirst, stomach pain, mouth sores, sunstroke, and dry lungs and air passages due to dry weather or due to pollution and smoke. Dendrobium helps keep the skin moist, slow aging, and helps generate beautiful skin.

Althaea officinalis-Marshmallow root

Reduces inflammation throughout the body and nourishes the Yin. Enhances digestive absorption and heals all mucus membrane along the digestive tract, lungs and urinary tract. Top Western Yin tonic.

Paeonia suffruticosa-mu dan pi-Tree peony root bark

Cools blood heat, pacifies Liver Fire, and invigorates the blood. Quells anger and emotional outbursts and cools fire from yin deficient patterns.

Alisma plantago-aquatica-ze xie-Water Plantain Root

Alisma is helps to off set the cloying nature of rehmannia and make this formula more digestable. It is safe with mild tonic qualities, especially effecting the Kidney/Bladder, andthe Spleen/Stomach. It is often used for obesity, especially for people who carry a lot of water weight. It is also commonly used by people who have difficulty urinating and by diabetics.

For information on Chinese medicine, metabolism and Chinese medicine, and Kidney Yang Tonics, visit the National Library of Medicine, the The Chinese Medical Journal, or Chinese Medicine News. This is not an endorsement of these organization, just a resource guide.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Yin Yang Theory

Heaven was created by an accumulation of Yang; the Earth was created by an accumulation of Yin. Water and fire are the symbols of Yin and Yang; Yin and Yang are the source of power and the beginnings of everything in creation. Yang ascends to Heaven; Yin descends to Earth. Hence the universe represetns motion and rest, controlled by the wisdome of nature. Nature grants thepower to beget and to grow, to harvest and to store, to finish and to begin anew

Ilza Veith, Nei Ching

As hot tea cools, Yang tranforms to Yin

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