Uses of the Theory of Yin and Yang in TCM

Yin and Yang provided the basis for every aspect of TCM. It helps explain the structure of the human body and also helps to find diagnosis and treatment.

Yin and Yang serve as fundamental concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offering a comprehensive framework that underpins every aspect of this ancient healing system. The principle of Yin and Yang is rooted in the idea that all things in the universe exist in a state of dynamic balance, where opposite forces are interconnected and interdependent. This duality helps to explain not only the intricate structure of the human body but also the complex interactions between various bodily systems and functions. In TCM, the human body is viewed as a microcosm of the universe, where Yin represents qualities such as coolness, darkness, and rest, while Yang embodies warmth, light, and activity. Understanding the interplay between Yin and Yang is crucial for practitioners when diagnosing health conditions. For instance, an excess of Yang may manifest as symptoms like heat, inflammation, and hyperactivity, whereas an excess of Yin could lead to coldness, lethargy, and stagnation. By assessing the balance of these forces within a patient, TCM practitioners can identify underlying imbalances that contribute to illness. This holistic approach not only focuses on the physical symptoms but also considers emotional and spiritual aspects, recognizing that health is a state of complete harmony. Furthermore, the principles of Yin and Yang extend to treatment modalities within TCM, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy. Each treatment is tailored to restore balance, promoting the body’s natural healing abilities. For example, if a patient presents with symptoms indicative of Yang deficiency, a practitioner might recommend warming herbs and stimulating acupuncture points to enhance Yang energy. Conversely, if a patient exhibits signs of excessive Yang, cooling treatments may be advised to reduce heat and restore equilibrium. In summary, the Yin and Yang philosophy is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, providing invaluable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of health issues. It emphasizes the importance of balance and harmony within the body, guiding practitioners in their efforts to promote overall well-being and facilitate healing.

a. Using Yin and Yang to Explain the Tissues and Structures of the Human Body

The oppositeness and unity between Yin and Yang helps us understand the human body. The upper part of the body is described as Yang, while the lower part is described as Yin. When referring to the internal organs, the five viscera (heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney) are Yin, because their function of preserving vital substances is stable. The six bowel organs (gallbladder, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, urinary bladder, and triple warmer) are Yang because their function of transmitting and digesting water and food make them active. The five viscera can be split up, making the heart and lung Yang because they are higher, Following this guideline will help to distinguish whether an organ is Yin or Yang: the function is Yang, while the substance is Yin; for channels and collaterals, the channels can be divided into Yin channels and Yang channels, the collaterals may also be divided into Yin and Yang collaterals; for the twelve channels, there are three Yang channels of the hand, three Yin channels of the hand, three Yang channels of the foot, and three Yin channels of the foot; for vital energy and blood, vital energy or Qi is Yang while blood is Yin.

b. Using Yin and Yang to Explain the Physiological Function of the Human Body

The coordinate, opposite, and unitedness of Yin (substance) and Yang (function) are what determines the physiological functions of the body. Yin and Yang are always is a state of balance. Without substance like blood, energy, and body fluid, there would be no source for functions. Yin and Yang must aid each other in order for life to continue. In TCM, “the divorce of Yin and Yang means the end of one’s death.

c. Using Yin and Yang to Explain the Pathological Changes of the Human Body

The imbalance of Yin and Yang lead to a disease. For example, dominance of Yang may lead to hyperfunction and heat manifestations. Dominance of Yin may lead to hypofunction or endogenous cold. Deficiency of each may also lead to different diseases. When one dominates over the other, both are involved and end up getting damaged. In this way, someone with hypofunction (a disease brought on by too much Yin) may have symptoms of hyperfunction (a disease brought on by too much Yang).

d. Using Yin and Yang to Diagnose and Treat Diseases

The knowledge that diseases are brought on by the imbalance on Yin and Yang gives doctors the ability to diagnose and treat that disease. The first step is to determine whether a disease is Yin or Yang. This can be accomplished by looking at the patient’s complexion. Bright patients have a Yang disease while a dark and gloomy complexion shows signs of a Yin disease. Another method is to listen to the patient’s voice. A loud and clear voice has a Yang characteristic while a low and weak voice has a Yin characteristic. Inquiring may also determine the type of disease. Those who have a fever, are thirsty, have constipation, and have a rapid pulse have characteristics of a Yang disease. Those who have a cold, do not feel thirsty, have loose stools, and have a slow pulse have characteristics of a Yin disease. Feeling the patient’s pulse is another method. Pulses that are floating, rapid, large, and slippery are of Yang characteristic. Pulses that are deep, slow, small, and rough are of Yin characteristic.The dominance of Yang leads to a Yang disease called asthenic heat syndrome. This can be cured with drugs of cold nature. The dominance of Yin leads to a Yin disease called cold-asthenia syndrome. Drugs of warming nature will treat it.

Deficiency of Yang is called deficiency-cold syndrome. Drugs of warm and invigorating nature will treat it. Deficiency of Yin is called asthenic heat syndrome. Drugs or nourishing Yin will treat it. Since the deficiency of one can damage the other, both the Yin and Yang of the human body must be replenished. Vital essence (Yin) should be restored as well as vital function (Yang).

TCM’s method of deciding which herbs to use in the treatment of disease comes from knowledge of the property, flavor, and function of different Chinese herbs. Herbs with sour, bitter, and salty tastes belong to Yin, while herbs with pungent, sweet, and bland tastes belong to Yang. Herbs with astringent and subsiding function belong to Yin, while herbs with dispersing, ascending and floating function belong to Yang. Diagnosis is based on whether the Yin or Yang dominates within a human body, or whether the Yin or Yang is weakened.