Yin and Yang Theory Origins (03:18)

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Ancient Chinese philosophy holds that everything in the natural world consists of two mutually opposing yet dependent aspects. Yang refers to the exterior, lightness and movement; yin refers to the interior, darkness and stillness. Hear a Tai Chi analogy of their interaction.

Yin and Yang in TCM (02:59)

The upper body, back, gall bladder, small intestine, stomach, large intestine, and bladder are yang; the lower body, front, liver, heart, spleen, lungs and kidneys are yin. Individuals are healthy when their yin and yang are balanced.

Illness and Yin-Yang (02:26)

Hear common symptoms of an imbalance in yin and yang. Environment, lifestyle, and genes directly affect the balance. Very healthy people comprise 15% of the population and very sick people 15%; most people are slightly imbalanced.

Yin-Yang and Daily Life (02:51)

Diet consists of cold and warm foods, should be varied, and suit individual conditions. Hear how humid climates affect the physical balance. Seeking excessive coolness in air conditioned environments can cause allergies and rheumatism.

Five Dynamic Systems Theory (05:01)

Categories include wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The liver is associated with wood; the heart with fire; the stomach with earth, the lungs with metal, and the kidneys with water. Learn about the Sheng and Ke cycles and hear examples.

Applying the Five Dynamic Systems (02:51)

The theory originated in observation of natural and human systems and relates to climates, emotions, colors, and tastes. Hear practical uses for herbs by taste and color.

Unconventional Treatment Methods (01:45)

Ancient physician Hua Tuo used a psychological approach to incite an angry reaction in a patient who needed to expel stagnant blood. The Yin-Yang and Five Dynamic Systems theories both view everything in the universe as mutually interrelated.

Credits: Yin-Yang and the Five Dynamic Systems (00:33)

Credits: Yin-Yang and the Five Dynamic Systems