Yin and Yang, as a core concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), are the foundation of health through their balance and harmony. However, the fast pace of modern life and environmental changes often disrupt this balance, leading to various diseases. The imbalance of Yin and Yang can manifest as either a deficiency of Yin or an excess of Yang, with both being interrelated and causative.
For example, when we cannot maintain our gaze for long, and our eyes feel fatigued or even painful, this is often a manifestation of excess Yang. Excess Yang does not indicate an abundance of Yang Qi, but rather that Yang Qi is rising and cannot settle, resulting in an imbalance of Yin and Yang. As the classics state: “When Yang is excessive, Yin is deficient.” Behind this excess Yang is actually a deficiency of Yin, where the blood is insufficient to nourish Yang Qi, causing it to rise and be unable to maintain its position.
Gui Zhi Tang: The Secret to Harmonizing Yin and Yang
Among many classical formulas, Gui Zhi Tang is renowned for its unique efficacy in harmonizing Yin and Yang. What is the secret behind its miraculous effects? It lies in its fine-tuning of Yin and Yang.
The Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) in Gui Zhi Tang is spicy and warm, capable of dispersing cold pathogens from the surface while warming and promoting Yang Qi, allowing it to disperse without becoming excessive. Bai Shao (White Peony) is sour and cold, able to restrain Yin Qi, preventing it from excessively dissipating. The combination of Gui Zhi and Bai Shao, one dispersing and one restraining, one warming and one cooling, perfectly harmonizes Yin and Yang.
The addition of Gan Cao (Licorice), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), and Da Zao (Jujube) in Gui Zhi Tang further harmonizes the spleen and stomach, replenishing the central Qi. The spleen and stomach are the foundation of postnatal health and the source of Qi and blood production. When the spleen and stomach are strong, Qi and blood are abundant, and naturally, Yin and Yang are balanced. Therefore, Gui Zhi Tang not only harmonizes Yin and Yang but also balances the Qi and blood and the functions of the organs.
Yin and Yang and Gender: The Misconception of Gender Equality
In societal views, gender equality is widely accepted. However, in TCM’s theory of Yin and Yang, men and women are not entirely equal but possess unique Yin and Yang attributes. Men are associated with Yang, while women are associated with Yin, but this Yin and Yang state is not equal; there is a hierarchy.
From the perspective of growth and development, women indeed mature faster than men in certain aspects. For instance, girls begin to develop at age 7, while boys start at age 8. This time difference determines the disparities in physical and intellectual development between men and women. The societal notion of gender equality does not align with TCM’s theory of Yin and Yang in certain respects.
This inequality of Yin and Yang does not imply superiority or inferiority but rather that each has its unique roles and functions. From the perspective of TCM, we should respect and understand these differences to better harmonize Yin and Yang and promote health.
Yin and Yang and Disease: A Discussion on the Spleen and Stomach
The spleen and stomach, as the foundation of postnatal health, directly influence the balance of Yin and Yang in the body. The spleen and stomach belong to the Earth system, which is central in the Five Elements and interrelated with the other four elements. The occurrence of spleen and stomach diseases is not merely a problem of the spleen and stomach but a manifestation of the imbalance of the entire Five Elements system.
Harmonizing Yin and Yang to Regain Health
The balance and harmony of Yin and Yang are the cornerstones of human health. When Yin and Yang are imbalanced, illness quietly approaches. Gui Zhi Tang, with its unique efficacy, harmonizes Yin and Yang, helping us restore health. However, harmonizing Yin and Yang is not an overnight task; it requires us to cultivate from various aspects such as diet, daily routine, and emotional well-being.
Note: The above content is for health education purposes. If you have symptoms that require adjustment, please consult a professional doctor for diagnosis and treatment, and do not self-medicate to avoid delaying your condition!
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