Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Oriental Philosophy of Yin and Yang
Ancient Oriental philosophers used the concept of "yin and yang" in order to interpret the interplay of all natural phenomena and their properties. This main idea has carried over into the Oriental philosophy of modern society. Yin originally meant the shady side of a hill. It represents darkness and passivity, and is associated with the qualities of yielding, softness and contraction. It moves downward and inward, and its primary symbols are women, water and earth. Yang, on the other hand, means the sunny side of the hill. It represents brightness and activity, and is associated with resistance, hardness and expansion. It naturally moves upward and outward, and is symbolized by men, fire and heaven. Oriental philosophy says that when water (yin) absorbs a large amount of heat (yang), it transmutes into vapor (yang) and rises upward.

The principles of yin and yang manifest themselves in every conceivable contrast, both large and small, and apply to all beings. Women are considered yin because of their tolerance and softness, while men are considered yang because of their strong and progressive spirit. But women with a high degree of yang "chi (life force)" are more likely to look on the bright side of problems and deal with them very positively. Men full of yin chi are relatively tolerant, open-minded and are more likely to listen attentively to others. It is generally said that a woman full of yang energy and a man with a high degree of yin energy make a harmonious couple, well suited for marriage. On the contrary, if both have the same level of yang energy, they will have frequent arguments and fight often.

Yin and yang energy can be balanced and regulated and spirit. Thus the energized chi can restore and revitalize all organs of the body. Meditation helps calms the mind, and keeps the energies flowing through the body, such as yin and yang, in equilibrium. What is more, it is considered by meany to be a "miracle cure" for diseases. Excessive yang energy can cause a mild-mannered person to become oversensitive and irritated This can keep him or her from sleeping well at night. On the other hand, too much yin energy causes insomnia and mania. This consequently results in fatigue. The center for yang energy is located just beneath the navel, whereas the center of yin energy rest between the eyebrows. The balanced interchange of the two energies is very important for maintaining good health. Mental stress can greatly affect the natural movement of yin and yang energies and cause health problems. Symptoms may be mysterious headaches, fatigue and a weakened immune system as well depression.

Meditation, acupuncture, herbs and moxibustion are all regarded as very powerful treatments to bring the elements into harmony and balance the energy of yin and yang. This can clear up the symptoms caused by the imbalance.