Maria Teresa De Donato, PhD, RND, CNC, CMH, CHom
I believe that nothing
and nobody could have ever expressed the concept of duality better
than the Chinese philosophical Theory of Yin and Yang. The latter,
in fact, well describes how diametrically opposed forces are not
only contrary to each other but have also the ability and potential
to harmoniously complement one another and create perfection.
Disciplines such as
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC), martial arts and Feng Shui are all deeply rooted in the understanding and acknowledgment that all
relates to Yin and Yang and that the latter are not only different in
their essence but also do complete one another as parts of the
Oneness, hence, of the Tao, which is “the path”, “the way”
that according to traditional Chinese philosophy Man should walk in
order to feel in perfect balance within himself and with the
Universe.
Laozi, also known as Lao
Tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher and poet, summarized this
profound concept by stating “Life is a series of natural and
spontaneous changes. Don't resist them – that only creates sorrow.
Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in
whatever way they like.”
By being seen as
complementary forces rather than opposing ones, Yin and Yang produce
a dynamic system in which the whole is greater that the sum of its
parts. Everything is, therefore, perceived as having both yin and
yang elements which may manifest at a different level or in a
different amount, this producing different results.
So, what is really Yin
and what is Yang and what they represent in the end?
Yin represents all
negative, passive, female principles existing in Nature, while Yang
all positive, active, male ones. Hence - just to cite a few examples
- the moon is Yin while the sun is Yang; passivity, weakness and all
that relates or is somewhat linked to a slower tempo are Yin, while
activity, dynamic actions and strength are associated with Yang.
A summary of the
differences between Yin and Yang can be illustrated as in the
following Table:
In the articles of the
next few months we will examine how the Theory of Yin and Yang is
applied to nutrition and health according to Traditional Chinese
Medicine, and how beneficial it can be to promote and maintain a
state of health, wellness, harmony and balance according to Feng
Shui.
STAY TUNED!!! The best is yet to come!
