Chapter 1: The Basics of Chinese Medicine

According to Chinese medicine, everything is composed of two complementary forces, Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang cannot exist alone— they are inseparable. Yin and Yang do not necessarily “oppose” one another; rather they are interdependent, interconnected, and intertwined. This is the simplest and most fundamental of the natural laws governing Chinese medicine. The entire body is under the control of the forces of Yin and Yang. A person is healthy when Yin and Yang are balanced. Since Yin and Yang are in constant motion, there is never a true “perfect balance.” However, medical practitioners seek to find the Yin-Yang imbalance and correct it (using acupuncture, herbs, exercise, massage, etc.). The basic healing principle of Yin-Yang theory is to first balance the existence of each, and then to harmonize (or blend) the two forces. Harmony is the ultimate goal. Lack of harmony in the human body usually results in symptoms of illness and patterns of disease.

Here are some basic examples of what is generally considered Yin and what is Yang:

Classic Yin-Yang Symbol, called “Taiji”

Yin (structure and substance) and Yang (function) need to work in balance for optimum health to manifest. An imbalance will ultimately lead to degenerative illness and death.

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