Yin and yang principles have a long and fascinating history behind them, and we've compiled all the most interesting and important bits in this article. Read on to learn:. It's the same idea behind quotes like, "there can be no light without darkness. In the chart below are some of the characteristics each represents. You'll see that, for each one, yin and yang represent a pair of opposites, such as black and white, light and shadow, north and south, etc.
The yin yang symbol is often referred to as "taijitu" in China. It's a familiar symbol you've likely seen many times on jewelry, clothes, notebooks, etc. Each swirl has a dot of the opposite color in it. The yin yang symbol represents the interconnectedness of the world, particularly the natural world. There can be no positive without a negative, no open without closed, no light without shadow. The yin yang symbol itself portrays that interrelatedness.
Looking at the symbol, you can see it doesn't have a straight line going through the center to represent the divide between yin and yang. Inside, the dividing line is a soft S-shape. It shows how yin and yang are connected and constantly flowing into and out of each other. At the top of the symbol, as yang swells, yin contracts. At the bottom, yin swells as yang contracts. The ideal situation is when there is an equal balance between the two, as that is when harmony is achieved.
Within the symbol, not only do the white and black segments fit perfectly with each other to form a circle, each has a small circle of the other color within it to further show the connection between the two. The small circles also show that nothing is absolute. In all yin, there is a little yang, and vice versa. This further demonstrates the connection between the two.
The outer circle of the yin yang symbol represents the entirety of the universe. It shows that yin and yang represent everything that we know, as well as things we don't understand.
The concept of yin and yang has existed for thousands of years in China. The earliest known reference to the two terms was found on oracle bones where they referred to different parts of nature. A school named the "yinyang school" was also developed roughly two thousand years ago that taught the principles of balance and patterns. We become so focused on getting things done yang energy that we don't often allow ourselves to receive and be in the present.
To find balance, block time on your schedule for activities that are more yin in nature: breaks in the day when you can eat, breathe, meditate, and re-center. Once the sun goes down, you can prioritize yin activities even more: Plan for quiet, homemade dinners featuring seasonal greens.
As the sun sets, turn down the lights and switch off electronics. Get in the habit of taking relaxing baths and thinking about three things you're grateful for before going to bed the earlier, the better!
Gratitude is the practice of receiving, and it is therefore very yin. Ending your day with gratitude will also help you stop your mental chatter and encourage restful sleep. Yin and yang is an ancient Chinese philosophy that reminds us that balance is the key to prosperity. By balancing out the opposing but complementary forces of yin and yang in our modern lives, we can achieve more vibrant and sustainable health.
You are now subscribed Be on the lookout for a welcome email in your inbox! Main Navigation. Log in Profile. Saved Articles. Contact Support. Log Out. Your cart is empty. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. Explore Classes. Moy, L. Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner. Tsao-Lin, has over 18 years of experience as an expert in alternative and Chinese medicine. July 14, In This Article. What does yin symbolize? Yin themes:.
Contemplation Contraction Softness Stillness Quiet. What does yang symbolize? Action Expansion Growth Heat Movement. Examples of yin-yang:. Light and dark: You can apply the concept of yin and yang to cycles of light and dark. The yin character implies shade, while the yang has the sun and horizon. The elements of nature: The yin-yang theory can be applied to the five elements of the natural world , also known as the "Wu Xing" or five movements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
Like yin and yang, these elements exist in a constant cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Magnets: Magnets are also an example of yin-yang. One side is "north"; the other side is "south. What happens when yin and yang are out of balance? Here are a few examples of what can happen when yin and yang are out of balance:. In feng shui:. In our relationship to nature:.
In Chinese medicine:. Much more than just the tattoo on the guy from your martial arts class, the Yin Yang carries with it a deep meaning that is as simple as it is profound. The Yin, or the dark side, is associated with everything hard, negative, cold, wet, and feminine. The Yang, or the light side, is associated with things soft, positive, warm, dry, and masculine. But contrary to the harsh juxtaposition of their appearances, Yin and Yang are not complete opposites. In fact, it is important that each side has a little bit of the other in it.
In fact, Yin and Yang are in everything, and most things are a little bit of both. An eggshell is Yang, but the egg inside is Yin. Wheat in the field is Yang, but once it is harvested, it becomes Yin.
One can turn into the other, and the best things in life lie at the confluence of the two. The concept of Yin and Yang is at the heart of Chinese medicine. Have you ever wondered, for example, why Chinese people drink so much hot water? See, the balance of the two is the most important aspect. The two forces are opposing but complementary. Chinese food , also, is incomplete without an understanding of Yin and Yang. Yang foods are those which are spicy or sweet. Like the warmth that Yang imbues, Yang foods are often those in warm colors like red and orange.
Yin foods are those which are salty or bitter. They are cool in color, and are typically grown in water.
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