An Introduction the Principles of Yin and Yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine

One of the main principles of Oriental medicine are two opposing forces, Yin and Yang. They are represented in the common Yin/Yang symbol by a circle that intertwines with the light and dark elements. This design is symbolic of the pattern and flow of the universe that encompasses the constant interchange between these two forces of life and death. Yin and Yang are two polarities which characterize the opposites such as black and white, night and day, cold and hot, sweet and sour, left and right, and up and down. They are cyclic and circular offering both extremes on either side of the spectrum, each mutually creating the other. The Chinese seek to understand this flow of opposites that exist in and outside of the human structure.

We need both the Yin elements and Yang elements to exist. We can inhale but we also have to exhale to complete the cycle of breathing. The interconnection between the two is what gives us life and ultimate vitality. One must exist with the other to provide for constant balance. When there is disharmony in the human body, for example, there is always an disruption of Yin/Yang equilibrium.
The Chinese apply this concept in their practice of martial arts, which is simply regarded as "the art of living". Once you understand these underlying concepts of opposing for forces, they can be applying to physical movements that represent this circular balance, yielding and offering force in just the right balance as in Tai Chi or Karate.

A fundamental philosophy that is a backbone to Oriental medicine is that no one outside can heal Your body. The body is simply reminded and assisted in accessing it's own inner wisdom to repair and rebuild itself. The body is one thing, one whole and you can not affect one thing without affecting all of it. It is the Chinese tradition to also embrace not only left brain thinking with logic and rationale, but also the right side with emotion and intuitiveness.

It is the work of the Chinese practitioner to help to bring the bodies back into balance with their own natural cycles. In the world change is inevitable. But learning how to flow with change is the key to a happy life. This is an important concept for the only thing that ever changes is the fact the "everything changes". Learning how to flow in the body like the mountain stream no matter the change occurring around us, is the art and practice of true meditation.

Human being are an integral part of the universal forces. In the same way that trees are a part of the forest they live in and subject to the laws of nature they must adapt to in order to thrive. Nothing is completely Yin and Yang, everything is composed of both in varying degrees. But nothing is neutral, there is either Yin or Yang predominating. This is the process of change. Things in nature change all the time. There is nothing completely still and permanent, day to night and the cyclical changes of the seasons for example. The human system and design is much like that of the natural world, composing the forces of Yin and Yang within each bodily function and organ. The art of understanding this concept of energy flow, movement within the body is the means to understanding how to apply Traditional Oriental Medicine in the most appropriate way.