The theory of Yin and Yang in TCM Ⅰ

The theory of Yin and Yang in TCM

Yin and Yang is not just a philosophical concept; it is a profound classification method left by our ancestors, encompassing infinite mysteries. Everything in the world possesses both Yin and Yang, which are mutually opposing yet complementary forces.

To understand the concept of Yin and Yang, let's first look at some examples from our daily life. The "Yin side" refers to the side of a building that faces away from the sunlight, while the "Yang side" faces the sunlight. Extending this idea, the "Yin side" is associated with darkness and dampness, while the "Yang side" is associated with brightness and warmth. Hence, we can define the attributes of Yin as darkness and dampness, while Yang is characterized by brightness and warmth. This division of things using Yin and Yang can be found in many aspects of life, such as dividing geographical locations where the south of a mountain is Yang and the north is Yin.

Water and fire are the most typical examples of Yin and Yang in nature. Water tends to be calm and cool, and it is a tangible entity that can be touched, thus belonging to Yin. On the other hand, fire tends to rise upwards, radiates heat, and is an intangible phenomenon that cannot be touched, thus belonging to Yang. This leads to the method of categorizing Yin and Yang: Yin is associated with stillness, coldness, downward motion, and tangible attributes, while Yang is associated with activity, warmth, upward motion, and intangible attributes.

At this point, you might wonder about natural phenomena that seem to have both Yin and Yang characteristics, such as flowing rivers or hidden embers. In reality, Yin and Yang are not absolute, independent, or strictly relative. They can encompass and transform into each other. For instance, the Yin characteristic of water can coexist with the Yang characteristic of flow, and when flowing water enters a lake, it exhibits the Yin characteristic of stillness. Similarly, the Yang characteristic of fire can be manifested in the quiet burning of embers, while embers can also transform into a blazing fire. This shows the dynamic and interconnected nature of Yin and Yang in the world.