The Dao manifests by virtue of a universal law known as the Great Principle. This is the principle of Yin and Yang. The Law of Yin and Yang was developed more than three thousand years ago by great sages and scholars. The principle of Yin and Yang, is an all-embracing system which can be used to describe virtually all natural phenomena. The principle of Yin and Yang has been further developed since that early period, and has withstood the test of time. It stands today as arguably the greatest model of the universe known to mankind.

Yin and Yang are two equal, yet opposing components of one integrated whole. They are totally interdependent, interacting constantly so as to maintain the normality and integrity of the whole. Each in turn tends to dominate over the other, but no total dominance is permanent and eventually the other will take its turn as the dominant force. This interplay of opposing forces establishes the basis of all existence and all change.

The Chinese call the principle of Yin and Yang 'the Great Principle.' The Great Principle describes the innately dynamic, cyclic, polar nature of everything in the universe. Although many people find it foreign at first, it is in fact a very simple concept to grasp. Every thing and every process in nature can be seen as having a cyclic nature, and thus governed by the Great Principle. The universe expands and contracts, and light and sound move in waves that are cyclic. The earth turns on its axis resulting in a multitude of cyclic manifestations here on earth. Human sleeping/waking cycles, seasonal changes and the millions of microscopic cycles that support these daily and seasonal changes are the result of the larger cycles in our solar system, galaxy and super-galactic systems.

The principle of Yin and Yang is the fundamental concept of the Chinese healthcare system. Within our bodies, our hearts beat, our lungs breathe, our glands secrete hormones, and our bowels and bladder excrete waste rhythmically, according the fundamental principle of the law of Yin and Yang. Our eyes each dominate for several minutes at a time, rhythmically. Indeed, virtually every human function follows rhythmic (cyclic) patterns. These rhythms are described and explained by the Great Principle, the principle of Yin and Yang.

Yin is defined as that part of a cycle in which energy is being accumulated, assimilated and stored for later use. Yang is defined as that part of a cycle in which energy is being expended in order to create a manifest action. One cannot exist without the other as they are each part of the one whole.

Thus Yin is often associated with rest, receptivity, quietude and rejuvenation, while Yang is associated with action, expansion and movement. Yin should not be thought of as the simple absence of Yang. Nor should it be automatically associated with weakness. Yin is in fact the very substance of life, and it is absolutely essential to all functioning. Yang on the other hand is the functional aspect of any process and is also essential to life.

Yin and Yang are relative concepts, and they always exist together. They are different aspects of the same thing or process, two sides of the same coin. In the human being, the body is more Yin and the psyche is more Yang because the body is condensed energy whereas the mind is freer and infinitely more active. The back of the body is more Yang and the front is more Yin because the back is strong and protects the more vulnerable anterior, Yin, parts. It can be noted that all arteries that flow close to the surface do so on the Yin (anterior) surface of the body. When we are under attack, we curl up so as to protect these vital vessels and the Yang parts of our body protect the softer Yin parts. The upper parts of the body are more Yang and the lower parts more Yin because heat (Yang) tends to rise and water (Yin) tends to sink. In addition, the surface of the body is considered to be Yang while the deep organs are categorized as Yin.

In Chinese Tonic herbalism, we utilize the principle of Yin and Yang constantly. All herbs are said to have either Yin or Yang qualities, to varying degrees. Some herbs are said to move upward or outward---these have a Yang quality. Some herbs are said to be drying, warm or hot--- these too are Yang. And there are herbs that affect the body profoundly and fundamentally to build up the Yang powers of the body, mind and spirit---these are the true Yang tonic herbs.

On the other hand, herbs that move downward or inward, and herbs that are moistening, cooling or anti-inflammatory, are said to be Yin in nature. Substances that nurture the true, fundamental reserves of the body, mind and spirit are called Yin tonics.

Yin and Yang are often associated with the female and male forces. This association has its value, but in many ways serves to confuse students of Oriental philosophy until a deep understanding has been attained. Relative to one another, the female is often said to be more Yin than the male, which is generally more outgoing and is therefore more Yang. The female is said to be receptive and nourishing while the male is said to be aggressive and protective. However, from person to person, it is easy to see that many women are more aggressive than many men. These women would be considered more Yang. And there are most certainly passive men who are relatively more Yin than even the average woman. Yin and Yang is a concept of relativity and each person must be looked at relatively. An aggressive person with a hot temper would be considered to be of a Yang nature irrespective of sex, and a cold, passive person would be considered relatively Yin irrespective of sex. A person who is dry (Yang) will need to increase their fluids and blood (Yin) and a person who has cold extremities (Yin) will need to invigorate their blood circulation (Yang) in order to establish a healthy, balanced physiology.

The relationship of Yin and Yang is never static. The two forces are always vying with one another for dominance. First one dominates, then the other in its appropriate time. Under normal circumstances, the interaction of the two forces will remain within well-defined limits. Yin provides sustenance for the Yang and the Yang protects the Yin while carrying out the functions of the being. Neither Yin nor Yang will normally go to such an extreme that its opposing force cannot recover. However, if for some reason Yin or Yang exceeds the limits normally inherent in the system, the self-regulatory mechanism breaks down and crisis ensues. Health is dependent upon the maintenance of the correct balance of Yin and Yang forces in the body and psyche. Neither Yin nor Yang should increase or decrease beyond normal limits. It is possible through the application of Chinese Tonic herbalism to help the body-mind to maintain its self-regulatory capacity, assuring optimum functioning and 'radiant health.'

One's basic physical constitution plays a very important role in one's long term health pattern. A person born with a dominance of Yang energy is said to have a 'Yang constitution.' These fundamentally Yang people often tends to suffer from Yang symptoms throughout much of their lives. Conversely, a person born with a Yin constitution generally suffers from Yin symptoms. Yang symptoms tend to be more acute and more dramatic, but also tend to be overcome more quickly, whereas Yin symptoms tend to be chronic, mysterious and difficult to correct. It is important to take a frank look at one's constitution and to come to an understanding of how it affects one's life as a whole. It is possible to alter one's constitution to some small but significant degree by the use of Chinese herbs, diet, breathing and exercise techniques such as those taught by the Daoist masters, and by stimulating certain acu-points regularly for an extended period of time.

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