The theory of Yin-Yang is one of the basic and most important philosophical concepts in Chinese Tradition and Chinese Medicine. The initial idea of Yin and Yang came from the careful observation of the dynamics of nature by Chinese scholars and dates back more than 2,500 years. It states that the world exists under the law of two complimentary opposing forces, Yin and Yang. These forces exist in a constant cyclical change and represent the duality of the nature: day – night; warm – cold; up – down; etc. Yin and Yang are two complementary opposites; their relationship has influenced the entire Universe since primordial times. 

 

Let’s start with the meaning of the Chinese characters for Yin and Yang.

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The concept of Yin and Yang has spread to all possible phenomena and objects in the world. 

Let’s illustrate some common examples.

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In holistic medicine (including Classical Chinese Medicine), the human body is seen as a unity of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person. It perceives every individual as a micro-universe within the Universe. Everyone exists and functions under the same laws as the Universe including the theory of Yin and Yang.

 

According to Classical Chinese Medicine, life is a dynamic and ever-changing process rooted in Yin and Yang theory. Under normal circumstances, the phenomenon of Yin and Yang reflects the dynamic balance of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual processes. When balance is disturbed, disease occurs. The theory of Yin and Yang is also used to explain the pathological changes within the spiritual, emotional, physical and mental planes of the body. Chinese medicine looks at the occurrence of disease as a result of an imbalance between Yin and Yang or the manifestation of the excess or deficiency of Yin or Yang. 

 

Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine is based on the careful analysis of basic phenomena: Qi, Yin, Yang, and the Five Movements (Five Elements). From the Yin and Yang point of view, pathological signs and symptoms can also be classified as either Yin or Yang.

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