Many people find Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) obscure and difficult to understand. In fact, TCM is simply a reflection of nature. By using natural phenomena to comprehend TCM, it becomes much simpler. Today, I will explain how to achieve the transformation of Yin (阴) and Yang (阳) to attain balance, leading to health and longevity!
The human body can be likened to a Bagua (八卦图) diagram; only when Yin and Yang are balanced can the body be healthy. Conversely, whether there is too much Yin or too little Yang, or vice versa, various ailments will arise. You can think of Yin as the rain in nature and Yang as the sun. Isn’t it true that only when the weather is harmonious can nature thrive?
If it keeps raining and the clouds block the sun, this represents a state of “too much Yin and too little Yang“. The ground will become waterlogged, and without the sun to evaporate the rain, the water will remain, leading to muddy conditions. In the body, this translates to excessive dampness, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, heaviness in the limbs, soreness in the lower back and knees, frequent urination, and a tongue with teeth marks. At this point, we need to wait for the sun to come out and evaporate the excess moisture.
In the body, we can use some Yang-tonifying herbs such as Gan Jiang (干姜) (Dried Ginger) and Rou Gui (肉桂) (Cinnamon) to replenish Yang energy and evaporate internal moisture, achieving balance. Additionally, when cooking, adding ingredients like Hua Jiao (花椒) (Sichuan Pepper) and Garlic (大蒜) can also help.
Conversely, if it never rains and the sun shines continuously, this represents a state of “too little Yin and too much Yang“. This leads to drought conditions. Without sufficient rain, lakes and streams will gradually evaporate under the sun, causing the ground to crack. In the body, this results in symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, red eyes, heat in the palms and soles, yellow urine, and a red tongue with little coating. At this time, we need a good rain to nourish the earth.
Similarly, in the body, we need some Yin-nourishing herbs such as Mai Dong (麦冬) (Ophiopogon), Shi Hu (石斛) (Dendrobium), and Zhi Mu (知母) (Anemarrhena) to nourish Yin, clear heat, and generate fluids, achieving balance. Regular consumption of foods like snow pears and grapes can also be beneficial.