Yin-Yang Theory:The Yin-Yang Theory states the relationship between the two polar forces, or concepts, prevalent in the universe. The concept of Yin-Yang is probably the single most important & distinctive theory in TCM. It could be said that all TCM physiology, pathology and treatment can eventually be explained by the relationship between the forces of Yin and Yang. Disease patterns may be described as being "Excess Yin" or "Excess Yang"; "Deficient Yin" or Deficient Yang". Treatment principles would then be to disperse Yin or disperse Yang, or to supplement Yin or to supplement Yang. Treatment might entail the use of Asian Bodywork Therapy, Acupuncture, or Chinese Herbal Therapy.
Literally translated as "the shady side of the mountain", Yin is one of the two fundamental polar forces that organise the universe. Yin manifests as substance, darkness, coldness, and quiescence. It includes the material substance of the body, which includes tissue, blood, fluid, and internal secretions. The lack of Yin energy manifests as Heat and Dryness.
The Yin Organs (Spleen, Lungs, Heart, Kidneys, and Liver) store the Vital Substances (Qi, Blood, Fluids, Jing, and Shen). For the specific functions of the Yin Organs, please see "The Organ Meridians Functions and Dysfunctions" under "Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)".
Literally translated as "the sunny side of the mountain", Yang is one of the two fundamental polar forces that organise the universe. Yang manifests as form, light, warmth, and activity. It includes the functional activity of the body, and the generation of metabolic heat. The lack of Yang energy manifests in Cold and Dampness.
The Yang Organs transform matter, liberate essence, transport substance and discharge waste. The Yang Organs are the Gall Bladder (receives and releases bile), the Small Intestines (receives and transports digestate), the Stomach (receives, ripens, and transforms food and fluids), the Large Intestines (receives and releases solid waste), and the Bladder (receives and releases liquid waste).
YIN - YANG CORRESPONDENCES |
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GENERAL / UNIVERSAL: |
BODY STRUCTURE: |
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YIN |
YANG |
YIN |
YANG |
Moon/Water |
Sun/Fire |
Front |
Back |
Rest |
Activity |
Interior |
Exterior |
Dark/Hidden |
Light/Revealed |
Inferior |
Superior |
Matter/Contracting |
Energy/Expanding |
Organs |
Skin/Muscles |
Descending |
Rising |
Medial |
Lateral |
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ORGAN MERIDIANS |
DIAGNOSTIC PATTERNS |
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YIN |
YANG |
YIN |
YANG |
Lungs |
Large Intestine |
Internal |
External |
Spleen |
Stomach |
Cold |
Hot |
Heart |
Small Intestine |
Deficiency |
Excess |
Kidneys |
Bladder |
Chronic |
Acute |
Pericardium |
Triple Warmer |
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Liver |
Gall Bladder |
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CONSTITUTIONAL / CLINICAL PATTERNS |
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YIN |
YANG |
Chronic disease/Gradual Onset |
Acute disease/Rapid Onset |
Sleepiness, Low Energy, Lethargic |
Restlessness, High Energy, Hyper |
Pale face |
Red face |
Weak voice, dislikes talking |
Loud voice, talks a lot |
Shallow, weak breathing |
Course breathing |
Loose stools |
Constipation |
Pale tongue / wet |
Red tongue / yellow coat |
Slow pulse |
Rapid pulse |
Likes to be covered |
Throws off bedclothes |
Likes to curl up |
Likes to be stretched |
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PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS |
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Generation of: |
Process of: |
Blood, Lymph, Hormones, |
Circulation, Secretion, Discharge, |
Mucus, Urine, Perspiration, |
Peristalsis, Pulsation, Metabolism, |
Nutrient Substance, Collagen, Fat |
Respiration |