yin yang balance

The goal of Chinese medicine is to heal the body through re-establishing a balanced flow of Qi within the meridians, energetic pathways. To accomplish this significant attention is placed to the balancing of the energetic polar-opposite forces of the body – commonly known as yin and yang. The forces of Yin and Yang are the dialectic opposites of the universe. Yin can’t exist without yang and vice versa. There’s always a bit of yin within yang, and yang within yin. An excess of yin turns into yang and an excess of yang turns into yin.

These diametrically opposing forces are in constant flux. Once balance is obtained it can be quickly lost. Balance is not static, but rather moves and shifts with each passing moment. It is elusive, but once it is caught it feels so good you want to keep it forever. Balance helps to create order and peace - a cherished centered and tranquil feeling.

Upon reaching an energetic balance of yin and yang, Qi flows in a vibrant and effervescent manner. When this flow is maintained and established over an extended period of time – one’s body vital functions actually gain the ability to shift along the yin yang continuum resulting is positive outcomes in life. Quite interestingly, one definition of balance is “a desirable point between two or more opposite forces which minimizes the negatives of both.”

A Chinese medicine practitioner uses the ancient Yin/Yang theory as both a diagnostic and treatment tool. The goal of treatment is re-establish this desirable balance point – gently moving the person’s energetics more toward the center of the yin/yang continuum.

An acupuncturist would provide a balancing treatment via insertion of fine stainless steel needles into acupuncture points located along meridian pathways on the body. Acupuncture points have specific functions to achieve many different purposes. The third point on the Kidney meridian is treated to balance both the yin and yang energies of the Kidney meridian. This point would be applied if the energetics of this organ was out of balance to also increase will power, boost energy, and reduce back pain.

Chinese herbal medicine is also quite effective for balancing yin and yang energy. Herbals are available in several forms, including pill, tincture, powder, granule, or tea. Each herbal is classified according to their effects on the body. There exists a category of herbs to “tonify yin” and others to “tonify yang””. Chinese herbs are combined together within a formula and taken on a regular basis for achieving desired goals. For example, changes for a woman who has excessive yin energy displaying shyness and difficulty moving out in the world, would begin feeling more yang energy which would be a more external and outward behavior in her life.

Chinese dietary therapy works is the identical way, except that the foods are classified according to their energetics and recommended accordingly. The temperature of the foods are key in this therapy as yin foods are more cold and wet, whereas yang foods are more hot and dry. A practitioner bases their dietary recommendation on whether a person’s constitution is predominantly yin or yang. Foods are then recommended to bring greater balance and unity between these energetic forces to increase energy and help a person feel more balanced.

Qigong and T’ai Chi exercise helps foster a more sustainable balance within one’s existence. This ancient Chinese exercise cultivates Qi and re-establishes balance of both yin and yang energies. Balance can be attained, but movement must proceed consciously, ever so slowly and carefully to sustain the energetic shift. Yi-Chuan is a specific form of Qigong specifically designed for creating this type of inner and outer balance. It‘s performed by shifting weight from one foot to the other in coordination with your breath. In so doing, one foot becomes the yang mover taking full charge, while the opposite foot becomes empty and retreating which is associated with yin. This is precisely how the yin and yang energies are balanced through this Qigong exercise, also quite similar to how this is accomplished through T’ai Chi exercise as well.

These Chinese medicine techniques can be used individually or together to transform the body energetically and physically. They transform feelings of “being out of sorts” into becoming empowered through the renewed Qi connection ad balance of yin and yang energy throughout the entire body. Heal yourself naturally as Yin and Yang energies become balanced – and at the same time frustration and stagnant anger simply melts away along with a sense of dis-ease. Energy flow is restored and you become more outgoing. Your yin, withdrawn state has been sparked by an increase in yang energy as you “walk on the sunny side” and express loving thoughts, emanating from the yang energy of your heart.