The “Yijing (I Ching)” states: “One Yin and one Yang is called the Dao.” The concept of Yin and Yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is not as mysterious as it seems; rather, it represents a balance within the human body.
TCM believes that the state of health in the human body is closely related to the balance of Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are one of the most fundamental concepts in TCM theory, representing a relationship of opposites that are interdependent and transform into one another. In the treatment of tumors, attention to the balance of Yin and Yang is crucial because the formation of tumors is related to the imbalance of Yin and Yang.
Yin and Yang in TCM
In terms of the human body, the activity of bodily functions (Yang) inevitably consumes a certain amount of nutrients (Yin), which is the process of “Yang rising and Yin diminishing.” Conversely, the production and transformation of various nutrients (Yin) must consume a certain amount of energy (Yang), which is the process of “Yin rising and Yang diminishing.” The mutual transformation of Yin and Yang, that is, the conversion from Yin to Yang or from Yang to Yin, occurs. Under normal circumstances, this mutual growth and decline of Yin and Yang is in a relatively balanced state. If this relationship of “growth and decline” exceeds a certain limit, it disrupts the dynamic balance of Yin and Yang, leading to an excess or deficiency of Yin and Yang, resulting in abnormal phenomena, and the human body will develop diseases.
The formation of tumors is often due to the imbalance of Yin and Yang within the body, leading to stagnation of Qi and blood, internal phlegm and dampness, and accumulation of toxins. TCM treatment of tumors emphasizes the adjustment of the internal balance of Yin and Yang, promoting the smooth flow of Qi and blood, and eliminating phlegm and toxins. Adjusting the internal balance of Yin and Yang, promoting the smooth flow of Qi and blood, and enhancing the body’s immunity are essential.
Health is influenced by external factors
The process of human life activities is a continuous contradiction between Yin and Yang achieving unity. TCM believes that humans and the natural world are a unified whole, with a very close relationship with nature.
The various organs and tissues within the human body are interconnected and mutually influential, forming a holistic view of the human body in TCM. Although tumors (ai) grow in a specific part of the body, they are actually a local manifestation of a systemic disease.
Treating tumors requires a holistic perspective in TCM, employing syndrome differentiation and treatment based on symptoms, to achieve balance of Yin and Yang, as well as balance of Qi and the five internal organs, in order to achieve better results. Therefore, TCM treatment of tumors emphasizes the balance of Yin and Yang, facilitating the body to achieve this balance to control the occurrence and development of tumors, ultimately achieving health and prolonging life.
