An ancient Chinese philosophical concept. Literally, Yin is “the shady side of the mountain,” and Yang is “the sunny side of the mountain.” Yin and Yang represent polar opposites that are observed in all natural phenomenon (for example, fire and water, or night and day.) Yin and Yang are relative to each other, and any phenomenon can be infinitely divided into its Yin and Yang aspects. For example, the skin is considered to be Yang relative to the organs, but among the organs, there are certain Yang organs and certain Yin organs. Yin/Yang theory forms the basic foundation of Chinese medicine, along with the Five Elements.
The equal and opposite qualities of Qi (see above), the body’s vital energy.
One of the two opposing forces in eastern philosophy associated with the moon, water, coldness, darkness, passivity, and femininity, yang.
In certain Asian philosophies, the opposing forces that, when in balance, produce healthful harmony in people and in nature.
The two opposite and complementary principles of Chinese philosophy which are thought to exist in varying proportions in all things. They are sometimes thought of as femininity and masculinity.
Basic concepts in traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy. Yang represents active, positive masculine qualities. Yin embodies passive, negative feminine qualities.
The Chinese symbol of presumptively opposing but complementary entities or concepts such as light-dark, male-female, and sun-moon. In traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine, the goal is to have a proper balance of such forces.
Traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy are founded upon two complementary and interconnected principles. Yin represents qualities associated with the female, darkness, coldness, and stillness, while yang embodies characteristics of maleness, brightness, heat, and activity. In a well-functioning and healthy body, yin and yang are harmoniously balanced. Imbalances are believed to give rise to disorders; an overabundance of yin can lead to conditions such as osteoarthritis, whereas an excess of yang can trigger inflammatory disorders. These concepts of yin and yang also play a central role in the dietary system known as macrobiotics.