To understand the very basics of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to return to one of the most important naturalist thoughts produced by ancient Daoist thinkers - the Yin and Yang Theory.
Yin and Yang is used to explain relationships, patterns, and change in everything within and around us. The earliest Chinese characters for Yin and Yang were found on skeletal remains of animals dating from as early as 14th century B.C. It wasn't until the 3rd century B.C. that the Yin and Yang meaning became more well known through the philosophical study of cosmologist Zou Yan, who believed that all of life moved through the Five Phases (Wu Xing) - fire, earth, metal, wood, earth - elements that are continuously interchange according to the principles of Yin and Yang.
The two parts of Yin and Yang are seen as equal and opposite elements that complement each other and, as the yin yang symbol shows us, each side has an element of the other (represented by the small dots). Neither part is superior to the other and if there is an increase in one, there will be a decrease in the other. To achieve harmony is to maintain a correct balance between the two parts - to balance both yin and yang.
What is the Yin Yang symbol?
If you look closely at the Yin and Yang symbol, you will notice
The Yin and Yang are equal and opposite parts that complement each other and each contains a part of the other. Neither Yin nor Yang is more superior than the other and if there is an increase in one, there will be a decrease in the other (they have to fit in the circle!) They will always coexist and be in dynamic (curve) relationship with one another.
*Fun fact: Dr. Sun's childhood nickname is Yang Yang - but don't ever tell him I told you so! :-)
Here is how to assess your body your body as either more Yin or more Yang.
More Yin: If you are more Yin, your signs of depletion are expressed in being overly sensitive to outer conditions, showing weakness and easily tired. You may lack motivation and perseverance, which require to find more rest and quiet. You may prefer small frequent meals. You often feel Cold, not very thirsty, enjoys spicy and hot food, slow and passive in behavior. you can have oily/acne prone skin, clammy hair, sticky perspiration
More Yang: you sometimes feel uneasy fullness or pressure in the head chest, or abdomen, more than often are constipated, can never feel very satiated / satisfied with food. You often feel Hot: overly thirsty, provocative and impulsive in behavior. Your body exhibits Dryness: dry skin hair and mouth, enjoys tart juicy and oily foods
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