The 8 Principle theory is especially useful in Herbal medicine.
A Yin disorder is typically more internal, deficient, and cold.
A Yang disorder is typically more external, excessive, and hot.
Of course this is theory, and the possibility of mixed presentations in a clinical setting is not rare.
It is the goal of the TCM practitioner to identify the underlying pattern.
| YIN | YANG |
| According to Yin-Yang principles and correspondences. | |
| INTERIOR | EXTERIOR |
| Location of a disorder, the direction from which it emanated or to which it is evolving. | |
| Chronic, insidious in development, possible gastrointestinal symptoms, prompted by internal stressors. | Acute, aversion to cold, wind, heat, possible fever, prompted by external conditions and a lowered resistance. |
| DEFICIENCY | EXCESS |
| Quality of force at a specific time and place. | |
| Insufficiency of energy, blood or fluids, functional hypoactivity, pale complexion, weakness, shallow breathing, pain relieved by pressure. | Accumulation of energy (stagnant energy), blood, fluids (cysts/tumors), functional hyperactivity, loud and forceful behavior, heavy, rapid breathing, pain worse with pressure. |
| COLD | HEAT |
| Quality of an imbalance | |
| Slow pulse, slow lethargic activity, aversion to cold, pain eased by heat, white tongue coating, introverted. | Rapid pulse, rapid, agitated activity, aversion to heat, thirst, desire for cool climate & drinks, red tongue, extroverted. |
Calvin Dale Smith, BA, MSc, DOM
Doctor of Oriental Medicine (USA)
Riverside Acupuncture and Wellness Centre
2211 Riverside Dr., Suite 106
Ottawa, ON K1H 7X5
613-232-5888
cdalesmith at calvindale.com