The symbol of yin and yang shows two polarized, mutually exclusive energies at play.
The concepts of yin and yang lie at the heart of ancient Chinese philosophy, science and medicine. The terms are defined in the Shambhala Dictionary of Taoism as "two polar energies that, by their fluctuation and interaction, are the cause of the universe." For someone to reach and maintain a healthy state of being, an even balance of yin and yang should be strived for. Physical and emotional symptoms indicate you are out of balance as far as yin and yang theory is concerned.
Yin and yang Explained
To understand how physical and emotional symptoms of being out of balance relate to yin and yang, first you must understand the general principles of the ancient Chinese philosophical concept. Broadly speaking, yin represents cool and restful feminine energy, while yang is hot and active masculine energy. No matter what sex you are, both yin and yang energies are present in your body. Yin and yang never exist in a static 50/50 balance. The forces are dynamic and constantly fluctuating and pushing against one another. Different levels of each energy present different physical and emotional symptoms.
Yang Rising
If a person's yang energy overrides yin within his body, this imbalance causes yang to rise to an unbalanced level, which in terms of physical illness, produces heat. Symptoms of yang rising may include headaches, a red face, sore eyes, sore throats, nose bleeds, irritability and manic behavior.
Yang Deficiency
If yang energy is lacking in the body, this means the yin energy cannot be properly activated. This yang deficiency causes the opposite imbalance in the human body. Physical symptoms may include cold limbs, hypo-activity, poor circulation of blood, pale face and low energy.
Emotional and Spiritual Symptoms
As noted by spiritual instructor and lecturer Ann Albers, in a healthy balanced person, yin is responsible for receiving intuition and inspiration, while yang helps us act on these inspirations. Symptoms you are out of balance in yin and yang manifest themselves as feeling uninspired, feeling inspired but unable to take action or active without any inspiration at all. Albers notes people with too much are likely to mistrust feelings and intuition, to doubt themselves and to suppress emotions, while people with overpowering yin energy may find it difficult to achieve dreams, express talent or motivate themselves.
Imbalance Prevention
Achieving a healthy balance of yin and yang is easier if you maintain a balanced lifestyle. For example, too much work without rest leads to a yin deficiency, as yin is the restful energy balancing the active nature of yang. In another example, smoking puts heat, or yang, into the lungs, which also leads to a deficiency of yin. As noted by Albers, correct yin yang balance is achieved when a person allows the male side of her energy to support the female. This in effect means our actions (yang) should support our feelings and heart's desires (yin).
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