Part I Basic Theory

1 Yin and Yang

Yin-Yang theory maintains that all things are essentially composed of two opposing, yet complementary, aspects, and that all phenomena naturally group themselves into complementary pairs of opposites. In Chinese medicine, this theory extends to physiology, anatomy, pathology, pharmaceutics, diagnosis, and treatment.

1.1 Yin-Yang relationships

It is important at the outset to have a general overview of yin-yang theory as it relates to general phenomena, physiological structures (body regions, tissues and organs), physiological activities, and general illness patterns. Yin-yang categorizations of pulses are also introduced here: more specific diagnostic indicators of yin-yang patterns will be presented in Part IV, Pathology.

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Phenomena

General Yin-Yang Relationships

Space, Time, Season, Gender, Temperature, Weight, Brightness, Motion Parts of the body Tissues and Organs Activity and Function
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Anatomy and physiology

Pathology Imbalances

Disorders, Pulses Signs of Yang Repletion Signs of Yin Repletion

Yin-Yang Phenomena
Phenomenon
Space Time

Yang
Heaven Day Spring Summer Earth Night Autumn Winter Female Cold Heavy Obscured Downward and Inward Relative Stasis

Gender Temperature Weight Brightness Motion

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Male Hot Light Radiant Upward and Outward Evident Motion

Yin-Yang Anatomy and Physiology

Yang
Parts of the Body Exterior, back, Upper body Surface skin Body hair Zang Organs Qi and Defense Agitation Strength

Yin
Interior, abdomen, Lower body Bones Sinews Fu Organs Blood and Construction Quietude Weakness

Tissues and Organs

Activity, Function

Signs of Yin Repletion

Overall Yin Repletion Attitude Emotional Muscle Tone Complexion Skin Expression Eyes

Passive, apathetic, listless attitude Sadness, discouragement Poor muscle tone, flaccid tissues

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Pallid complexion Cold skin Expressionless face Lackluster eyes Slow speech, weak voice

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Gestures Stamina Sleep Circulation Metabolism Illness Patterns Pulses ~
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Weak gestures Easily fatigued mentally and physically Somnolence Circulatory stasis Sluggish metabolism Chronic conditions of long duration Left pulses stronger than right pulses Deep pulses stronger than superficial pulses Proximal pulses stronger than distal pulses
Upper Body Yin Repletion

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Primary Indicators Pulses

Pallor, hands colder than feet Three upper limb yin channel pulses (LU, PC, HT) stronger than three lower limb yin channel pulses (SP, LV, KI)
Lower Body Yin Repletion

Primary Indicators Pulses

Extremely cold feet associated with a warm head or fat Three lower limb yin channel pulses (SP, LV, KI) stronger than three upper limb yin channel pulses