The Yin-Yang Theory states the relationship between the two polar forces, or concepts, prevalent in the universe. The concept of Yin-Yang is probably the single most important & distinctive theory in TCM. It could be said that all TCM physiology, pathology and treatment can eventually be explained by the relationship between the forces of Yin and Yang. Disease patterns may be described as being "Excess Yin" or "Excess Yang"; "Deficient Yin" or Deficient Yang". Treatment principles would then be to disperse Yin or disperse Yang, or to supplement Yin or to supplement Yang. Treatment might entail the use of Asian Bodywork Therapy, Acupuncture, or Chinese Herbal Therapy.
YIN - YANG CORRESPONDENCES | |||
| GENERAL / UNIVERSAL: | BODY STRUCTURE: | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| YIN | YANG | YIN | YANG |
| Moon/Water | Sun/Fire | Front | Back |
| Rest | Activity | Interior | Exterior |
| Dark/Hidden | Light/Revealed | Inferior | Superior |
| Matter/Contracting | Energy/Expanding | Organs | Skin/Muscles |
| Descending | Rising | Medial | Lateral |
| ORGAN MERIDIANS | DIAGNOSTIC PATTERNS | ||
| YIN | YANG | YIN | YANG |
| Lungs | Large Intestine | Internal | External |
| Spleen | Stomach | Cold | Hot |
| Heart | Small Intestine | Deficiency | Excess |
| Kidneys | Bladder | Chronic | Acute |
| Pericardium | Triple Warmer | ||
| Liver | Gall Bladder | ||
CONSTITUTIONAL / CLINICAL PATTERNS | |||
| YIN | YANG | ||
| Chronic disease/Gradual Onset | Acute disease/Rapid Onset | ||
| Sleepiness, Low Energy, Lethargic | Restlessness, High Energy, Hyper | ||
| Pale face | Red face | ||
| Weak voice, dislikes talking | Loud voice, talks a lot | ||
| Shallow, weak breathing | Course breathing | ||
| Loose stools | Constipation | ||
| Pale tongue / wet | Red tongue / yellow coat | ||
| Slow pulse | Rapid pulse | ||
| Likes to be covered | Throws off bedclothes | ||
| Likes to curl up | Likes to be stretched | ||
PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS | |||
| Generation of: | Process of: | ||
| Blood, Lymph, Hormones, | Circulation, Secretion, Discharge, | ||
| Mucus, Urine, Perspiration, | Peristalsis, Pulsation, Metabolism, | ||
| Nutrient Substance, Collagen, Fat | Respiration | ||
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