Our columnist explores yin and yang and how we can keep them working in harmony in our bodies
Practically the first thing you learn at acupuncture university is the theory of yin and yang as they are the two opposing yet interconnected energies in the body. These energies are present and influential in all aspects of our life; once mastered they provide a valuable filter through which to view the world and maintain balance in our lives.
A simple way to understand them is to see them as opposites yet complementary energies: yin is the cooling, receptive, dark, inner energy; the night-time, resting, nourishing, replenishing energy of the body. Yin is also seen as feminine in nature, the moon; softness, receptivity, lying down, our body fluids, such as our blood and our secretions, are seen as yin.
Yang is seen as the heat and fire of the body, the stimulating ascending force. It’s associated with daytime, the sun, brightness, activity, movement, action. It’s also seen as masculine providing function in the body, activation and stimulation.
If either of these two opposing/inter dependent energies become excess, it will become the other. To maintain balance in our life it is important to understand the nature of yin and yang. Some simple tips are below:
• Balance activity and rest; so often yin is consumed through our constant over-working and working when tired or sick. If adequate rest is not taken, yang dominates. Yet if we are inactive and lazy then the opposite is true.
• Be aware of the urge our to achieve and change in our life (yang) with our ability to accept things as they are (yin).
• Learning to balance strength and muscle tone (yang) with softness, yielding and flexibility (yin). This is particularly problematic in my female clients wanting to conceive who have very muscle-bound bodies with a lot of stagnation (yang), this inhibits the flow of qi and blood in the body often diverting them away from the organs including the womb and ovaries. If a person works out regularly you might consider combining it with something like yoga (a slow meditative version not a hot, stimulating type).
• In terms of our mind and our emotions we must seek to find a balance between clarity of thought (yang) and an open minded willingness (yin).
• We must remain protective and have boundaries (yang) while maintaining the ability to be connected and receptive (yin).
Acupuncture, herbal medicine, tai chi, qi gong and all the traditional Chinese therapies and self-care rituals are designed to promote and maintain the balance of yin and yang energi
