East Asian Medicine follows many ancient pathways. And while many people are still unfamiliar with the ways of this medical system, the theories and concepts are just as true today as they were thousands of years ago. The yin yang concept is one of these concepts. Yin yang theory has been understood for centuries, but the first known writings about this concept appeared somewhere during the Warring States Period in China (476-221 BC). Scholars of the yin yang theory studied how living in harmony with the natural laws of the universe is reflected not only in the human body, but also in states of health and disease. These scholars observed two phases of constant cyclical change. Yin constantly changes into yang and back into yin again, just as night turns into day and back into night again.
So what exactly is yin and yang? Yin is a type of energy. Specifically, yin energy represents our restorative energy, which allows our minds and bodies to slow down, relax and rest. Yang energy represents our action energy. Yang energy is the action behind every process between the body and mind. Yang energy drives and motivates everything.
There are four main aspects of yin yang theory. The first is that yin and yang are opposites. Next, yin and yang are interdependent and cannot exist without each other. Next, is the mutual consumption of yin and yang. This aspect acknowledges that yin and yang are continuously changing, but if there is an imbalance, then one may weaken the other. Finally, yin and yang are inter-transformational, meaning one can change into another, but only when the time is right.
For there to be continual harmony within the human body and the world, yin and yang must remain balanced. When they are not balanced, there is sickness, war and destruction. But how does one keep yin and yang balanced in this crazy world?
One way to keep yin and yang balanced is to connect with nature. We are natural sentient beings and nature is our home. Our society has lost some of its ability to truly listen to the natural world around us. By taking a walk, sitting by a lake, reading under a tree or watching a meteor shower, our connection with nature is restored and we absorb the good energy, while expelling the bad energy.
Another way to keep yin and yang balanced is to meditate. Meditation allows for quality quiet time. And despite what we think, this is vitally important for proper balance. Meditation will allow us to locate areas of deficiency or over-abundance, both mentally and physically. Once located, these problem areas can be worked on and brought back into balance.
Proper nutrition is vital for yin and yang to remain balanced. When we graze on empty junk, we absorb that energy. What good does empty energy serve us? This is why food should be organic, healthy and fresh. These types of foods provide the proper nutrients needed to stay strong and healthy.
Regular exercise will also keep yin and yang in balance. Some great examples are yoga, tai chi or qi gong. These types of exercises do more than just help us stay in shape. They literally have been found to connect the mind and body, thus aligning the mental, physical and emotional aspects within each of us.
Acupuncture and other forms of bodywork such as massage are also great ways to keep yin and yang balanced. Acupuncture, in particular, works to balance the yin and yang energies of specific energetic meridians that run throughout the body. This helps prevent disease and mental illness and can be used as preventive medicine at any time.
Balancing yin and yang energies is really not as foreign a concept as some believe it to be. As we can see from the list above, these items are quite similar to what a medical doctor would prescribe for a sick patient. Thus, staying healthy and living a fulfilling life really does boil down to keeping yin and yang in balance.