YANG YIN HEAVEN EARTH MOVEMENT STABILITY MASCULINE FEMININE LOGICAL INTUITIVE EXPANSION CONTRACTION MOVING UP MOVING DOWN HEAT DAMP DAY NIGHT FIRE WATER

WHAT IS YIN AND YANG

  • The symbol represents life energy "Qi" (pronounced Chi).
  • Yin and Yang are two opposites, a duality coexisting and interdependent
  • The idea of dualism is represented by the opposite colour within each section.
  • Yin represents the feminine side of nature and Yang the Masculine
  • Constantly interchanging and transforming, Yang moving into Yin and Yin moving into Yang
  • This concept can be applied to all matter/forms existing in the universe.
ABOUT YIN AND YANG
Included in the category of Ancient Chinese philosophy is the concept of Yin and Yang based on observations in nature. At first, yin and yang meant whether a place faces the sun or not. For example, the southern side of the hill is exposed to the sun ("The Sunny Side") this is Yang and the northern side where there is no exposure to sun ("The Shady Side") is Yin. Knowledge through long-term living, practice and observation of all natural phenomenon has led to the manifestation of Yin and Yang theory in all sciences, technologies and arts. This concept is a part of everyday living. Yin and Yang exist only by comparison: they are relative and not absolute. For instance without the outside there would be no inside, without day there would be no night, without heat there is no cold and visa versa. Always in a dynamic state, "waxing and waning". Think of the dynamics of the weather, for example. Winter moves to Spring, during which time Yin wanes (reduces), Ying and Yang exist only by comparison: they are relative and not absolute. For instance without the outside there would be no inside, without day there would be no night, without heat there is no cold and visa versa. While Yang waxes (increases). It gets cold when Summer moves to Autumn. In which time Yang wanes, and Yin waxes. A transformation between Yin and Yang. During "transformation" periods Yang becomes Yin for instance, a person with high temperature, a red complexion, restless and a rapid strong pulse then suddenly feels listless, the temperature drops, the face becomes pale and it is difficult to hear the pulse. Meridian channels and Collateral channels are paired as Yin and Yang. Yin is the force of contraction and energy moving down. Yang is the force of expansion and energy moving up. Many dynamics exist between Yin and Yang. A state of balance between these opposites supports good health.
  • Elements are associated with seasons and the body's internal organs.
  • Heart/Small Intestine - Summer - Fire
  • Pericardium/Triple Heater - Summer - Fire
  • Spleen/Stomach - Late Summer - Earth
  • Lungs/Large Intestine - Autumn - Metal
  • Urinary Bladder/Kidneys - Winter - Water
  • Liver/Gall Bladder - Spring - Wood
WOOD ELEMENT Spring Meridian - Liver/Gall Bladder
FIRE ELEMENT EARTH ELEMENT Summer Meridian Late Summer Meridian Heart/ Small Intestine Stomach/Spleen Tripple Heater/Pericardium

  • SPRING
  • Summer reflecting the energy of wood. A time of birth and new beginnings, the start of the seasonal cycle. After the quiet months of winter, Spring energy brings forth new growth, flowers and fruit tree buds burst into blossom. The surprise of bright coloured flowers. A time of hope and optimism. Associated parts of the body are tendons eyes, liver and gallbladder.
  • FIRE
  • Summer reflects the expansive Fire energy, the radiance of flowering plants and the warmth of the sun energizing and encouraging us to live life to the fullest. It draws us to celebrate life outdoors with family and friends. Spending time out in nature and bringing creativity to life. Associated parts of the body are blood vessels, tongue, heart, small Intestine.
  • EARTH Late Summer or referred to as Indian Summer coincides with the Earth element. The peak of harvest, the last birth of growth. This season marks the shift from Spring and Summer to Autumn and Winter. From the outward movement of Yang to the inward movement of Yin. Associated parts of the body are muscles, mouth, spleen and stomach.
METAL ELEMENT Autumn Meridian Large Intestine/Lungs
WATER ELEMENT Winter Meridian Kidney/Urinary Bladder
  • METAL
  • Autumn is the beginning of the Yin cycle when there is less daylight. It carries the energy of metal, nature shedding its leaves, producing its own compost, providing nutrients for the soil, preparing for the next cycle of growth. Getting out the warm clothing, stocking up on wood for the fireplace, preparing for the cold winter ahead. For those that struggle during the colder months, it is time to strengthen the immune system. Associated parts of the body are skin, nose, lungs and large intestine.
  • WATER
  • Winter energy carries the element of water. Rainy days, wearing extra clothing to keep warm, sitting near the fireplace. A reflective, quieter time of the year, we tend to rest more and hibernate. Nature retreats building up its energy for the next season's cycle. Associated parts of the body are bones, ears, kidneys and urinairy bladder.
MORE ABOUT ELEMENTS
The concept of Yin and Yang extends into the theory of the 5 Elements/Phases, FIRE, EARTH, METAL, WATER and WOOD. All of nature consists of these 5 basic substances. Our surrounding natural environment correlates with the working of the human body, both physiologically and pathologically. Generating sequences - In nature, Fire generates Earth providing heat for plants and food to grow. Earth generates Metal. The element Metal represents the minerals generated in the soil. Metal then generates Water. Water generates Wood, we need water for growth in nature. And finally Wood generates Fire. It generates Earth, a fire burning creates ash which slowly gets absorbed back into the Earth generating Metal. Balance of all elements is vital for our survival. Looking at this from a body perspective; Fire element relates to Heart, S.Intestine, Pericardium, Triple Heater, Earth Element relates to Stomach and Spleen, Metal element relates to Lungs and L.Intestine, Water element relates to Urinary Bladder and Kidneys and Wood element relates to Liver and Gall Bladder. In Generation sequences a "Mother and Son relationship" (Yin and Yang) exists between elements. The Element that generates is called the Mother and the Element that is generated is the Son. Take wood for example. Because wood produces fire, it is called the Mother of Fire. When both are in balance the organs are functioning more efficiently as it does in nature. The Elements take on different dynamics, different relationships bringing different results. The 5 Element Theory is used to explain the physiology and pathology of the human body and is used as a guide for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Much more than just the 5 Element Theory is investigated to work out the cause. Methods used for treatment may include Acupunture, herbal remedies, changes in diet and exercise with emphasis on breathing. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) when all relationships are in balance then all the organs are functioning efficiently.

MERIDIANS

  • Meridians are pathways where the system of energy circulates.
  • Although there are many more meridians the 14 Primary are the most important. These 12 bilateral Main Meridians located throughout the body are associated with the internal organs of the body. Every pathway represents a system and not just an organ.
  • Another 2 singular channels (not bilateral) is the Conception Vessel (CV) and the Governor Vessel (GV) positioned along the midline of the body, front and back, continuously connecting forming a loop of energy.
  • These pathways are paired as Yin and Yang
  • Acupuncture points are found along these meridians resembling vortexes of energy, cavities where this movement takes place.
  • These points are located at prominent or depression areas of the bone ,joint or muscles, the side of a finger nail, side of mouth, eye and so on. Accupuncture or accupressure treatment therapy is used on sore tender points to release tension, promote better circulation of blood and to rebalance energy flow.
  • Accupunture treatment involves the insertion of a needle and accupressure is using firm hand pressure.
  • WE NEED 4 VITAL SUBSTANCES TO SURVIVE

  • Qi, Blood, Body Fluids and Essence
  • According to TCM. Qi (chi) is Yang in nature and it's main job is to maintain the physiological functions of the body. Blood, body fluids and Essence are Yin in nature as it is more of Matter.

  • Qi is a type of invisible substance full of vitality (Jing).
  • In the west it is translated as energy or life force, according to TCM there is no specific word translation and just like Yin and Yang it is a concept.

  • FOLLOWING ARE THE DIFFERENT SOURCES OF VITALITY QI

  • Food and Water
  • This is digested and transformed by the spleen and stomach. Bringing Qi to the body providing the digestive system is functioning properly.

  • Breathing
  • Breathing into the lungs, the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The heart is involved, circulatory system, efficient functioning of the lungs builds up this Q.
  • External Defence System (WEI QI) located on the skin, nose and mouth.

  • The YIN QI (nutritive Chi) keeps the internal part of the body strong and nourished. This is where all meridians channels and accupressure points are located. Combined they are translated as TRUE QI. This circulates through all Meridian channels and acupuncture points.

  • OTHER IMPORTANT SOURCES

  • Blood Substance
  • Another source of Qi is the relationship between the Qi and the blood, it cannot be separated.
  • Qi moves the blood and blood nourishes Qi. Blood is produced by the spleen, stomach and the food we absorb.
  • Blood has a nourishing function (Yin) and Qi has a warming function (Yang). Blood nourishes and keeps the body moist as it circulates throughout the whole of the body. Normal mental activity also depends on nourishing blood supply. When Qi stagnates, blood congeals, when Qi moves the blood flows freely.

  • Body fluids
  • Formed from the intake of food and drink. To maintain the body's functions we need these substances to lubricate, hydrate, nourish the skin and all internal parts of the body. Two types of fluids exist, oily (thick) and watery (thin). Eating oily and watery food lubricates and hydrates. An imbalance can cause excess and results in water retention, phlegm, oedema, puffiness. Deficiency can cause - dry skin, hair and stools, lack of magnesium causes cramps.

  • Essence
  • It is in our DNA passed on from parents (Congenital Qi) from post birth and it is related to how we age.
  • Born with either strong Qi or weak Qi, it is important to choose a lifestyle that will keep the Qi strong. Eating good nutritional foods that are right for you, breathing efficiently, exercising and moving the chi, sleeping well, acknowledging your emotions when your feeling down, implementing practical skills that nurture both body, mind and spirit is beneficial to strengthening your Qi.

  • Overall choose a lifestyle that is uniquley benefitial for you.
  • Healthy well-balance Qi (energy) keeps the body funtioning more efficiently and helps keep the immune system strong. Consider the environment you live in, your physiolgical, emotional and spiritual state. Looking at a
  • broarder picture of life, what do you need to include in your life to improve your well-being.

SPRING MERIDIANS

LIVER
  • A Yin, Zang organ
  • Foot Meridian
  • Element: Wood
  • Most active time: 1-3 am
  • Function: regulates the blood flow to stomach, spleen promoting digestion. Blood flow to the heart nourishing brain and strengthening spirit. Brightening and nourishing eyes and clearing vision. Blood flow regulation to tendons and extremities assisting physical activity. Supporting conception and balancing the menses by supplying blood to the uterus. Directs the secretion and formation of bile
  • Functions of Qi: expands and extends, does not like to be restrained. Energy motivates body resources which help in the maturation of other body functions
  • Emotion: Anger
  • Disorder along Meridian: Headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, fever, tinnitus aurium, spasms in extremities
  • Organ disorder: Fullness in chest and stomach, pain and fullness in hypochondriac region, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, jaundice and vomiting
  • This Meridian begins at big toe and moves along the inside line of foot, ankle, leg to groin around genitalia. It moves up to abdomen and passes in through the diaphram along throat, nasal, eyes, over the cheek and curves around the mouth within the lips. Directly connected to lung, stomach, kidney and brain
LIVER
GALL BLADDER
GALL BLADDER
  • A Fu, Yang organ
  • Foot Meridian
  • Element: Wood
  • Peak active time: 11pm-1am
  • Function: stores bile (pure fluid formed in the body)
  • Emotion: Anger
  • Functions of Qi: Conserves energy rather than expels.
  • Disorder along Meridian: Pain in hip, thigh, leg and knee. Heat and cold. Headache, deafness, cheek pain
  • Organ disorder: Pain in hypochondraic region (upper lateral portion of the abdomen situated beneath the lower ribs), vomiting, pain in chest. Symptoms include itchy eyes, blurred vision, red eyes.
  • This Meridian begins outside corner of eye, up to corner of forehead to ear, around the side of the head a couple of times and down along side of neck. It descends into the lateral side of the chest through diaphram to the lower side of the abdomen running along the side of the pubic region to side of hip. Then it descends to lateral thigh and knee, to the lower leg and around ankle to 4th toe. Internal connection to liver and heart.

SUMMER MERIDIANS

HEART
  • A Yin, Zang organ
  • Hand Meridian
  • Element: Fire
  • Most active time: 11am-1pm
  • Function: The heart relates to the activities of the Central Nervous System(CNS), the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and Vascular System (circulation)
  • Functions of Qi: according to TCM, Qi of the heart is the driving force of the heart beating. Sufficient Qi keeps the heart's strength, rate and rhythm normal. Focus on the Spirit (Shen) promoting healthy mental activity.
  • Emotion: Hysteria, Sadness
  • Disorder along Meridian: Dry throat, pain in shoulder and inner arm, chest and back, pale complexion, pale tongue.
  • Organ disorder: Cardiac pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, vertigo, sweating (which comes from body fluid and is also a component of blood)
  • This Meridian begins in the chest moves to the inner aspect of the arm down through the palm of the hand and ends on the inside tip of the little finger
HEART
SMALL INTESTINE
SMALL INTESTINE
  • A Fu, Yang organ
  • Hand Meridian
  • Element: Fire
  • Peak active time: 1-3pm
  • Function: Receiving digested food, transforming and absorbing food. It sends useful substances to the Spleen (clarity) and sends waste (turbidity) to L.Intestine and water to Urinary bladder. In TCM "Separating clarity from Turbidity".
  • Disorder along Meridian: Ulcers in mouth and along tongue, sore throat, stiff neck, pain in shoulder and arm
  • Organ disorder: Diarrhea or constipation, lower back and lower abdomen pain, pain and abdominal distention
  • This Meridian begins on the tip of the little finger, moves to the underside of the arm, up to the top of the shoulder blade, the neck, along the cheek and ends near the entrance to the ear canal
TRIPLE HEATER (or Sanjiao)
  • Yang organ
  • Main focus are the organs located along the torso
  • Hand Meridian
  • Element: Fire
  • Peak active time: 9-11 pm
  • Function: Triple Heater is the passage through which water, food and fluid is transported. It is the foundation and controller of the entire circulation of body fluid. It controls and regulates body fluid. There is special attention on the heart, the gut and the kidneys. It is an important part of the Immune system
  • Disorder along Meridian: Pain behind ear and over mastoid, in shoulder, arm and cheeks. Redness and pain in eye, swelling and pain in throat
  • Organ disorders: Abdominal distention, urine retention, frequent urination, Odema
  • This meridian begins on the ulnar side of the ring finger, moves up the back of the arm to the side of the neck, goes around the ear, turns down to the cheek and finishes under the bony cavity of the eye
TRIPLE HEATER
PERICARDIUM
PERICARDIUM
  • Yin
  • Hand Meridian
  • Peak active time: 7-9 pm
  • Functions: The pericardium membrane protects the heart against pathological disorders. As with the heart it relates to the nervous system and circulation
  • Functions of Qi: Energetically it encircles the heart protecting it from physical and emotional stress
  • Disorder along Meridian: Stiff neck, pain and stiffness in arm, elbow and hand, swelling in axillary region, bright red complexion
  • Organ disorder: palpitations, stiff tongue, cardiac pain, fullness in chest, Delirium
  • This Meridian begins on the chest, travels through the armpit, down the inside part of the arm and ends on the top tip of the middle ring finger

LATE SUMMER MERIDIANS

STOMACH
  • Fu, Yang organ
  • Foot meridian
  • Peak active time: 7-9 am
  • Function: Digests and transforms the chemical and energetic structure of the food, then it is absorbed by blood as nourishment for the body. All residue is sent to the Small Intestine
  • Disorder along Meridians: swelling of neck, facial paralysis, pain in chest, legs and feet, cold feet, dry throat, fever
  • Organ disorder: Abdominal distention, Indigestion, Odema, Insomnia
  • Emotion: Anxiety
  • The Meridian begins below the eye, moves down the front of the face, torso down the outer front part of the leg and end on the lateral side of the 2nd toe.
STOMACH
SPLEEN

AUTUMN MERIDIANS

SPLEEN
  • Zang, Yin organ
  • Foot Meridian
  • Most active time: 9-11 am
  • Functions of Qi: in the theory of TCM the Qi of the spleen refers to its function. Spleen transports, distributes and transforms nutrients. It is the source of producing Qi and blood. Following digestion in the stomach, speen separate the "pure food essence from the impure" and transports it to all parts of the body nourishing muscles, lips and strengthening limbs. It holds and supports blood in the vessels. The spleen keeps the body warm by harmonizing Qi and transforms food into Food Qi
  • Disorder along Meridian: Odema in feet, stiff tongue, feeling cold along inside of leg and knee, pain in mandible and cheek
  • Organ disorder: Vomiting, Diarrhea, gastric pain, indigestion, deficiencies of Qi and blood.
  • Emotion: Anxiety
  • This Meridian begins on the middle side of the big toe, moves to the inner part of the leg, up to the front of the torso, and ends on the side of the trunk, near the front of the shoulder
LUNGS
  • Zang Yin organ
  • Hand meridian
  • Peak active time: 3-5 am
  • Function: Principally the respiratory system. Starting from the nose with the inhalation of clean air and the exhalation of impure internal air. The lungs control Qi in the whole body, facilitates blood circulation and contributes to body fluids and metabolism, it also regulates body temperature. Wind, cold and damp, heat and dryness can weaken the lungs Qi (energy). Healthy lungs protect from external pathogens
  • Disorder along Meridians: Nasal obstruction, headache, Pain along shoulder blade, back arm and hand, soft or weak speech
  • Organ disorder: Shortness of breath, dry throat, fullness in chest, Diarrhoea, Dysponea
  • Emotion: Sadness
  • The Meridian begins on lateral upper chest inside arm along the middle of the arm, past elbow and then moving laterally pased the wrist and along the outside line of the thumb to thumbnail.
  • Meridian Yoga practices
LUNG
L.INTESTINE
LARGE INTESTINE
  • Fu, Yang organ
  • Hand Meridian
  • Most active time: 5-7 am
  • Functions of Qi: the main function is to process residual food matter and eliminate waste. If water metabolism is out of balance this organ can become hot and dry, disrupting normal bowel movements.
  • Disorder along Meridian: Toothache, dry mouth, sore throat, pain in shoulder, arm and index finger.
  • Organ disorder: Pain in belly button and abdomen, Diarrhoea, abdominal distention.
  • Emotion: Anxiety.
  • This Meridian begins on the outside tip of the index finger, and travels up along the arm to mid shoulder, then around the back top middle shoulder blade, moves to centre back and continues around to the front outside line of the neck. Then into the chin, enters the lower gum then crosses the upper lip and to the opposite side of the nose. Along this path there are many internal links to the Lungs, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Stomach and Governing Vessel.
  • Meridian yoga practices

WINTER MERIDIANS

KIDNEY
  • Zang, Yin organ
  • Foot meridian
  • Peak active time: 5-7pm
  • Functions of Qi: Housing the basic essence of growth, development and reproduction. It is one of the most important organs.
  • Disorder along Meridians: Pain in back of spine, cold feet, dry mouth, weak feet, pain in thigh, leg and heel. lumbargo (pain in lumbar region)
  • Organ disorder: Dizziness, facial odema, darkened complexion, blurred vision, diarrhoea, abdominal distention, impotence
  • Emotion: Fear
  • The Meridian begins along the middle of the ball of the foot ascends up over the inside ankle, it moves up along the inside middle line of the leg, past the knee, thigh and continues into the spine. It continues along the throat and ends at the tip of the tounge. Connecting to spleen (SP) Governing vessel (GV) and Conception vessel (CV.)
  • Meridian yoga practices
KIDNEY
URINARY BLADDER
URINARY BLADDER
  • Fu, Yang organ
  • Foot Meridian
  • Most active time: 3-5pm
  • Functions of Qi: by storage and excretion of waste body fluids, it assists Kidney energy in regulating water metabolism .
  • Disorder along Meridian: Stiff neck, pain in spine, lower back, along thigh, knee, leg and foot. Nasal obstruction, fever, headache, lacrimation (excess tears)
  • Organ disorder: Lower abdominal distention abdominal pain, Dysuria (difficult or painful urination), Enuresis (involuntary passing of urine), Mental disorders
  • Emotion: Fear
  • This Meridian begins: the eye duct and nose, travels over the scull and down the back of the neck, completes 2 laps of the back descends over the buttocks to the back the legs and finishes at the outside of the tip of the small toe. Links in with the Governing Vessel (GV) meridian and the Gall Bladder meridian (GB)
  • Meridian yoga practices