Medical Keywords - Everything you need to know about health.

Chinese Medicine and the Philosophy of Yin and Yang

As soon as you even begin to scratch the surface of Chinese medicine, you will come face to face with yin and yang. References to these forces are found everywhere within the application of modalities to the understanding of symptoms. Westerners have in some ways simplified this concept to be akin the Star Wars idea of the force - one being good the other evil. This is not only an oversimplification, but also inherently wrong.

When learning about Chinese medicine and the philosophy of yin and yang, you need to understand that neither can stand alone but both are always present and thus are quantified when contrasted. The desired state of yin and yang is harmony, although this is rarely accomplished. Much of Chinese medicine centers on the thought of realigning the life force within the body so that it is as close to the harmonious ideal of yin and yang as possible.

Here is a simple rendition of yin and yang:

? Yin is considered to be darkness and a sedateness that is evidenced in the state of being. It may manifest in coldness and almost always refers to the descent. Concentrating on that which is inside, it is usually associated with the earth and moon. With respect to the sexes, it is decidedly female. Water is an elemental state that is ascribed to it.

? Yang, on the other hand, is the conglomeration of activity, light, and heat. Focusing on the exterior, it is seen as a rising force that symbolizes the heaven and the sun. As a symbol of the sexes, it is male.

What makes the paradox of yin and yang easier to understand is its rendition as the white and dark forces that are making up the whole of a circle. Interestingly, a little bit of darkness is found in the light colored rendition while a little bit of light is in the darkened portion. This showcases that the two forces are intermingled, co-dependent, but always perfectly harmonized to form a whole.

In the understanding of Chinese medicine, the vital organs are considered yin, while the gastrointestinal tract and the other hollow organs, such as the stomach, are considered yang. Ailments are sought to be examined for an overage of yin or yang, and treatment is allocated according to the lack of whichever force is weaker. Perhaps the most astounding aspect of Chinese medicine and the philosophy of yin and yang is the view that an overage of yin or yang is not seen as a negative situation that calls for the eradication or severe curtailing of the dominant force, but instead it seeks to strengthen the weaker force by nourishing it.

This, of course, is quite a difference from the quintessential Western approach that seeks to limit that which is taking over by any means necessary. Keep in mind that in many cases Western and Chinese medicine will complement one another - if practitioners of both disciplines are made aware of the concurrent use of their medicines. Since several herbs may directly influence prescription medications, it is vital that you disclose any items you ingest to each practitioner.