YIN-YANG THEORY
Yin-Yang Theory is a method of categorization that is
a fundamental concept of Taoism Philosophy originating
in Ancient China and dating back thousands of years, perhaps
before a written language was developed. Yin-Yang Theory
can be considered a tool that can aid us in the understanding
of life and the amazing complex ways of nature. It can
help us understand the natural flow of nature. By understanding
that fire is yang and naturally rises and that water is
yin and naturally seeks the lowest regions we can categorizes
things within the world around us to understand their
natural flow. We can use Yin-Yang Theory to categorize
other aspects of importance such as health to understand
how disease manifests itself and how we can bring balance
and order back to the body restoring health. The application
of heat to a person's body that is feeling cold neutralizes
the excess cold condition and brings the body back into
balance. This is a simple example but the ways of nature
and life are obviously infinitely more complex and will
prove to contain a lifetime of challenges as a study.
Below is a simple outline of Yin-Yang Theory that I have
referenced out of an acupuncture reference book called
The Foundations of Chinese Medicine by Giovanni Maciocia
with a few alterations of my own.
Yin-Yang Theory - The categorization
of opposite elements in harmonious transition
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Yin (Water)
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Yang (Fire)
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Matter
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Energy
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Substantial
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Insubstantial
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Producing Form
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Producing Energy
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Grows
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Generates
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Contraction
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Expansion
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Inward
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Outward
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Descending
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Ascending
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Below
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Above
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Close
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Open
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Store
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Release
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Conserve
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Transform
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Soft
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Hard
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Quiet
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Loud
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Note: Yin is a category, Water is an item
in that category.
Four aspects of Yin and Yang
1 Opposition of Yin and Yang
Potential difference creates the motive force for change,
development and decay.
Nothing is completely yin or yang
Yin carries the seeds of yang and yang carries the seeds
of yin
Yin and Yang are never in a 50/50 state of balance
--- a slight offset in balance creates change
--- The relationship is dynamic and not static
2 Interdependence of Yin and Yang
They are relative and not absolute - one cannot exist
without the other.
Nothing is totally Yin nor Yang
3 Mutual Consumption of Yin and Yang
A continuous adjustment to the levels of yin and yang
seeking to sustain and perpetuate existence. Separation
or exhaustion of Yin and Yang leads to disorder and the
termination of existence.
4 states of imbalance
--- Excess yin - consumes yang
--- Excess yang - consumes yin
--- Deficient yin - a weakened state that can become further
consumed
--- Deficient yang - a weakened state that can become further
consumed
4 Inter-transformation of Yin and Yang
Yin transforms into yang
Yang transforms into yin
Not occurring randomly - Occurs at a specific time just
like the changing of the seasons
2 conditions are required for proper transformation
--- Specific time - in nature a pine nut will grow
into a sprout at a specific time of year with the proper
potential and become a pine tree
--- Potential -
Internal conditions are primary
--- It must have the internal potential to grow into a pine
tree. A rock lacks the potential to become a pine tree.
External conditions are secondary
--- Proper external conditions such as temperature and moisture
are necessary to support this change.
Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.
Date: 8/20/05
