The Yin Yang symbol is very simple yet profound, as most powerful and timeless symbols are. It is often attributed to being the birth center of Chinese Medicine and therefore the essence that permeates all aspects of the practice. It is an all inclusive lens that has the appropriate amount of flexibility to be applied to any situation. This is how it can work so beautifully with the uniqueness of each and every individual life.
In Chinese Medicine, the Yin Yang symbol, much like the moon’s phases, correlates with the phases of the menstrual cycle. This correlation can be used as a tool to understand and treat various issues within women’s health. The menstrual cycle is deeply connected to other cycles and rhythms of the body. Understanding the nuances and seeing the connections of all of these cycles can help guide you in making the best life choices for your overall health. In that inspiration, here at Asheville Acupuncture, we are starting a series of articles, each one devoted to one of the 4 phases of your cycle. We will be breaking down what’s going on during each of these phases, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with common women’s health issues and various solutions to them. Before we dive into that, it is important to have a clear understanding of Yin and Yang, so let's begin with the symbol itself as an explanation for the essence of everything.
Understanding Yin and Yang
The beginning of Yin and Yang - the outside line - is drawn first as a complete circle and represents the boundary of the universe. This is crucial to know, as yin and yang are part of ONE whole. They are not separate symbols, but can only exist in relation to one another. There is a common saying “no such thing as pure yin or yang.” Simply stated, but easily forgotten! This means that even though Yin and Yang are opposite, they cannot exist without the other. The concept of something being pure yin or pure yang is simply impossible. This interdependence is represented additionally through the symbolism of the smaller circles within each side - the circles show the other side's color, indicating their dynamic to one another: two parts of one whole. The smaller circles are recognized to be the eye of the two fish. The concept of Yin and Yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine began with the idea of a sunny side and shady side of a hill. One hill with two parts, two perspectives. The shady side of the hill is cool, moist, and less active. The sunny side of the hill is warm, dry, and more active. As the sun moves across the sky, the sun and shade also move across the hill. One simply cannot exist without the other. Although Yin and Yang are one whole, the two sides represent the polarity of the masculine and feminine energies within the universe. Opposition combined perfectly with interdependence to create a balanced, homeostasis like state.
Their respective traits can be viewed as follows:
Yin is often referred to as: the feminine energy that resides inside of everyone. This is not based on gender. It’s the mother, It’s the dark new moon, It’s the cool dark winter night, or soft earth beneath your feet. Yin is stillness, rest, always changing transformation.
Yang is often associated with the masculine energy. Warm sunlight touching your face. It’s upward movement, action, bright pure refined light. It’s the father, clear direct space holder, consistent steadfast energy, motivated by action and continuous change.
By understanding the concept of Yin and Yang it becomes easier to understand the cycles of our bodies. Yin and Yang is all about balance. There is always movement between the two, nothing is ever static. If the dynamic is equal they will cancel each other out. Learning to be in harmony with Yin and Yang requires dancing with these energies within yourself. Knowing when to take action and when to be still. When to stay cool and grounded or when to be fiery and steadfast. Chinese medicine is a holistic practice in which no one part of the body is seen as separate from the person as a whole. When learning to care for yourself as a whole, you begin to see the interconnectedness of your entire being - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
The Four Menstrual Phases and their Relation to Yin & Yang
In Chinese medicine the menstrual cycle is broken into two halves and four phases. The two halves being the Yin phase and the Yang phase. The four phases being menstrual, post-menstrual (follicular), ovulation, and pre-menstrual or implantation (luteal). At the point in the cycle when post-menstruation switches to the ovulation phase, Yin switches to Yang. Already we can begin to see the relationship of Yin and Yang to the female menstrual cycle based strictly off of the TCM classifications of the cycle. One of the foundational principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to understand these natural cycles and adapt your behavior to take advantage of them. This enables you to avoid future imbalances and treat any that may occur, thereby assisting you to avoid diseases and increase your overall vitality and longevity.
Just as Yin and Yang flow in seasons and traits, the menstrual cycle does too. By categorizing the four phases of the cycle into Yin and Yang states, you can begin to understand what your body needs the most during each phase. If you are in a Yin phase of the menstrual cycle, your body will feel the most balanced if you are being more restful. In this state of rest, you allow the body “down time” to regenerate and nourish itself. If you are in a Yang phase of the menstrual cycle, your body will feel the most balanced if you are being more active and filled with movement. By creating an environment of movement and activity you are encouraging the body to motivate your natural flow. Think of it this way: in the Yin phase you are resting the body as it menstruates and replenishes, in the Yang state you are energizing the body to prepare for the next cycle ahead.
In the next part of this series, we will further examine the first phase of the menstrual cycle. We will discuss the characteristics of this phase and how it applies to Yin and Yang. This will be a multi-part series that honors the beautiful connections of our physical bodies with this ancient, balanced symbol.