A fundamental principle of Chinese Medicine is Yin and Yang Theory. In Chinese, yin (陰) literally means shade, while yang (陽) means the sun. Yin and Yang, in an essence, are pairs of opposites. Here are some examples*:
Yang Yin
Active Passive
Function Substance
Outside Inside
Mind Body
Masculine Feminine
Light Dark
Heat Cold
Excess Deficiency
Exterior Interior
Expansion Contraction
If we apply this to our foods and their thermal nature, yin foods will cool us down while yang foods will tend to warm us. Yang is energizing while yin is nourishing by building blood and fluids in our bodies. Yang contains ascending energy while yin contains descending energy.
Yin and Yang Theory can also be used to describe human personality and physiology*:
Yang Yin
Warmer body & personality Cooler body and personality
Dry skin/less body fluid Moist skin/more body fluid
Outgoing Introverted
Active Passive
Positive Negative
Focused mind Serene
Hyperactive mentality Unclear, dreamy
Aggressive Timid
Angry, impatient Fearful, insecure
Loud voice Soft voice
Urgent Tardy
Logical Intuitive
Quick Slow
Motivated Complacent
Red Complexion Pale complexion
In general, for someone who possesses a more characteristically yang constitution, both physically and mentally, it is best to avoid or limit foods that tend to warm and heat the body, such as spicy foods, garlic, and cayenne pepper. On the flip side, one with a more yin constitution should eat more warming foods and limit cooling foods such as raw lettuce, cucumber, and celery. The main goal is to maintain a constant balance between yin and yang in order to achieve physical and emotional health. So balance and moderation is key as eating too much of anything, can put you from one extreme to the other.
What you need to know:
- Yin and Yang Theory is used to describe pairs of opposites.
- This principle can be extrapolated to describe food, physical attributes, as well as personality traits.
- Balancing your body’s yin and yang is key to establishing and maintaining health.
Do you think you are more yin or yang?
In health and wellness,
Dr. Elain
References*
Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford