Foundations of Yin–Yang Theory in Chinese Medicine

Flashcards covering the historical development, four aspects of relationship, and medical applications of the Yin–Yang theory as presented in the lecture notes.

Yi Jing (Book of Changes)

An ancient text dating to approximately $700$ BC containing the earliest references to Yin and Yang, represented by broken and unbroken lines.

Naturalist School (Yin–Yang School)

A philosophical school during the Warring States period ($476–221$ BC) that interpreted nature through Yin–Yang and the Five Elements to promote harmony with natural laws.

Zou Yan

The main exponent ($c.350–270$ BC) of the Naturalist School who systematically explored the theories of Yin–Yang and the Five Elements.

Yin (Etymology)

The Chinese character representing the 'shady side of a hill,' associated with darkness, cold, and rest.

Yang (Etymology)

The Chinese character representing the 'sunny side of a hill,' associated with light, brightness, and activity.

Tai Ji (Supreme Ultimate)

The symbol representing the unity and interdependence of Yin and Yang, showing that each contains the seed of the other.

Opposition of Yin and Yang

The principle that everything contains an inner contradiction, where Yin and Yang are relative but mutually exclusive qualities.

Interdependence of Yin and Yang

The concept that Yin and Yang cannot exist in isolation; for example, there is no activity without rest or contraction without expansion.

Mutual consuming of Yin and Yang

A dynamic balance where the increase of one quality necessarily leads to the decrease or consumption of the opposite quality.

Intertransformation of Yin and Yang

The process where Yin changes into Yang and vice versa once conditions are ripe and a certain stage of development is reached.

Yang Organs

Organs that transform, digest, and excrete 'impure' products of food and fluids; they are characterized by constant filling and emptying.

Yin Organs

Organs that store pure essences, such as Qi, Blood, Body Fluids, and Essence, rather than excreting them.

Qi

The Yang aspect of the body's vital substances, associated with warming, protecting, transforming, and rising.

Blood

The Yin aspect of the body's vital substances, representing a denser form of Qi that functions to nourish and moisten.

Defensive Qi

The Yang form of Qi that circulates in the skin and muscles (the Exterior) to protect and warm the body.

Nutritive Qi

The Yin form of Qi that circulates in the internal organs (the Interior) to provide nourishment.

Fire of the Gate of Life (Ming Men)

The physiological fire deriving from the Kidneys that stokes metabolic processes and assists organ functions like the Heart and Spleen.

Full-Heat

A pathological state where an excess of Yang consumes body fluids, typically leading to symptoms like redness, thirst, and hard masses.

Full-Cold

A condition where an excess of Yin consumes the body's Yang energy, resulting in symptoms like chilliness and slow movements.

Empty-Heat

A state arising from the consumption of Yin, leading to an apparent excess of Yang and feelings of heat.

Empty-Cold

A state where the body's Yang energy is spontaneously deficient, resulting in an apparent excess of Yin.