Balancing Yin and Yang for a Healthy Life
Why is there not a straight line dividing the two halves of the Taiji diagram, but rather a curved S-shape? This is because the S-shape symbolizes the dynamic balance of Yin and Yang that is constantly maintained. Therefore, in health preservation, we must also pay attention to coordinating Yin and Yang. The balance of Yin and Yang refers to the harmonious transformation and maintenance of both sides, ensuring that neither is excessive nor deficient, presenting a state of coordination. Its essence is the balance between Yang Qi and Yin essence, which is the coordination of various functions and substances in the human body. The balance of Yin and Yang is fundamental to vitality, so our health preservation principle is to maintain the Yin and Yang balance of life.
The Foundation of Life Lies in Yin and Yang
Why is the balance of Yin and Yang so important? This can be traced back to our Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). There is a saying in the “Zhuangzi”: “The ‘I Ching’ discusses Yin and Yang,” indicating that the I Ching is about Yin and Yang. Our TCM can be said to establish laws and prescriptions based on the foundation of Yin and Yang, which is rooted in the I Ching. Furthermore, our classic TCM text, the “Huangdi Neijing” (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), has developed the concept of Yin and Yang from the I Ching, applying its cultural and philosophical principles to human physiology and pathology, thus contributing uniquely to the theory of Yin and Yang in the I Ching.
In the “Huangdi Neijing,” there is a saying: “The foundation of life lies in Yin and Yang,” meaning that our physiological and pathological principles are based on Yin and Yang. A famous physician from the Ming Dynasty, Zhang Jingyue, once said that while the concept of Yin and Yang in the “Huangdi Neijing” is already quite complete, to understand its endless changes, we must study the I Ching. This means we need to continuously connect the I Ching and the “Huangdi Neijing,” extracting their theories to generate our medical principles. Among these, the principle of “Yin and Yang balance” is very important. It tells us that we must adjust Yin and Yang to keep them coordinated and balanced, so that we do not fall ill.
Three Aspects of Maintaining Yin and Yang Balance
First, we must pay attention to the balance of cold and heat. Why? Because cold harms Yang, and heat harms Yin. If we cannot maintain the balance of cold and heat well, it will certainly affect the balance of Yin and Yang.
The second aspect is to maintain the balance of Qi and blood. Qi belongs to Yang, while blood belongs to Yin. Therefore, to maintain the balance of Yin and Yang, the balance of Qi and blood must also be preserved. We have already discussed Qi deficiency. There are also many conditions related to blood deficiency. Women, in particular, should pay attention to blood deficiency, especially during their menstrual period. If they do not rest properly and do not nourish or replenish their blood, they are likely to experience blood loss. Women are fundamentally based on blood, so it is essential to nourish the blood. If a woman has excessive menstruation, she should eat more brown sugar, red dates, or brown sugar boiled eggs—boiling two eggs in brown sugar and eating two a day for three to five days can replenish the blood. Otherwise, it can easily lead to blood deficiency.
What are the symptoms of blood deficiency? Blood deficiency first manifests as a pale, dull complexion, lack of luster, and a sallow appearance, along with fatigue; it can also lead to palpitations and increased burden on the heart, resulting in feelings of anxiety and rapid heartbeat. Since blood nourishes the body, blood deficiency can lead to Qi deficiency, which may cause pale nails. To address blood deficiency, we must focus on blood replenishment. As long as there are no blood-related diseases, nourishing the blood is relatively easy, as mentioned earlier with brown sugar boiled eggs. Adding some jujubes can enhance the effect, or using angelica to stew chicken or ginseng to stew chicken is also very beneficial for blood production and replenishment. The key is to pay attention promptly; when we experience dizziness, blurred vision, or a poor complexion, we must focus on nourishing the blood.
TCM believes that “Qi is the commander of blood, and blood is the mother of Qi.” Qi is the most basic substance that constitutes the human body, while blood nourishes and moistens the entire body. Qi deficiency can lead to blood deficiency, and blood deficiency cannot carry Qi. Therefore, the balance of Qi and blood is particularly significant for health. TCM health preservation generally adopts the method of simultaneously replenishing Qi and blood, which is very effective.
The third balance is to pay attention to the balance of dryness and dampness, which is the balance of body fluids. Body fluids include liquids and blood, as about 70% of the human body is water, including body fluids. Maintaining the balance of body fluids is also essential for maintaining the balance of Yin and Yang.
In many cases, people suffer from fluid loss, leading to insufficient moisture, which manifests as dry mouth and chronic dryness. For example, if a person sweats profusely and does not quickly replenish water upon returning home, they may experience fluid loss. In severe cases, this can lead to dry stools and dry skin.
Additionally, the body’s moisture cannot be excessive. If the body’s water cannot be excreted normally, it often indicates spleen and kidney Yang deficiency, which should be treated promptly.
In summary, we must maintain our Yin and Yang balance through the balance of cold and heat, the balance of Qi and blood, and the balance of dryness and dampness. When Yin and Yang are balanced and well-maintained, we will be healthier.