Chinese medicine has fascinated Westerners for centuries. The principles of the methods and beliefs can get lost of someone who is used to traditional practices. A brief introduction to Yin and Yang 101 can give you a better understanding of this philosophy.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Yin and Yang describe balance within the body. Yin is said to encompass darkness, moisture, inner reflection, coldness, grounding, rest and feminine energy. Yang refers to daylight, heat, upward and outward movement, heat, movement, growth, masculine energy and expansion. It is believed that an imbalance between the two sections will cause extreme issues with any of these properties.
Acupuncture and herbal medicines try to balance Yin and Yang. With acupuncture, certain points in the body are treated depending on which property needs attention. Likewise, herbalists use food, herbs and spices to also treat an unbalanced Yin and Yang. For Yin deficiencies, quinoa, asparagus, bananas and honey are commonly prescribed foods. With a Yang deficiency, eating oats, cherries, lobster and algae are thought to help.
The organs within your body are said to follow the Yin Yang theory. Yin organs are the liver, heart, spleen, lungs and kidneys. The Yang organs are the gall bladder, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and bladder. When one organ is experiencing issues, the belief is that the opposite organ will eventually develop problems as well. For example, if your liver is diseased, then your gall bladder will begin to eventually deteriorate.
Practitioners of this type of medicine have compiled thousands of years worth of information and experience. To fully understand all of the intricacies, you will need to dedicate a large amount of time to the study of this belief. However, a quick glimpse into Yin and Yang 101 will give you the start you need.
