The Yin-Yang concept is central to Chinese medicine, and it is probably its single most distinct theory. It is thought that all Chinese medical physiology, pathology, and treatment can be reduced to Yin and Yang. Early origins likely sprung from observation of the cyclical alternation of day and night. Therefore, as its earliest connection, day is Yang and Yin is night, and by extension, activity is Yang and rest is Yin. It dawned on me as I pondered Yin and Yang and its presence in all things, that much like the daily cycle, the menstrual cycle is in constant flux of Yin and Yang. All binary oppositions follow in the Yin-Yang vein, such as:

Yang: Light, Sun, Brightness, Activity, Left

Yin: Darkness, Moon, Shade, Rest, Right

Essentially anything on earth can be infinitely divided into either Yin or Yang. This makes sense to me, as anything would have an opposite or counter, both as distinction and for further definition.

Yin-Yang also applies to medicine and pathology, and disease or deficiency is linked back to an imbalance of Yin and Yang in the body, either an excess or deficiency of one or the other. If you think about it, our body’s job to remain in homeostasis is, in essence, the same concept of Yin and Yang. During extreme heat (Yang) we sweat for cool (Yin) balance. During extreme cold (Yin) we shiver in order to force our bodies to produce heat (Yang).

We are constantly in flux to regulate our system, remain healthy, and survive. Prolonged exposure to too much Yin or Yang will eventually lead to sickness or disease. Therefore, Life is Yang and death is Yin (the absence of Yang). We get sicker or weaker as we age, as we approach Yin, because our body becomes unable to regulate itself, or stay in homeostasis.

Yin-Yang is the very first concept we were introduced to in Acupuncture school since this theory is what will surround and inform one’s entire career and practice.

The Yin-Yang symbol is likely one you are familiar with. The symbol is called the Supreme Ultimate, or Tai Ji.

The symbol itself depicts two fish swimming in constant motion, and the symbol showcases the five aspects of the Yin-Yang relationship, which are:

1. Opposition**: each stage contains a seed of the opposite (like the eyes of the fish in the symbol)
2. Interdependence: one cannot exist without the other (you cannot know what day is without knowing the concept of night)
3. Mutual Consumption: there is a dynamic balance in continuous motion, where one is always consuming the other (when Yin is out of balance, Yang will adapt and go into excess, and vice versa)
4. Inter-transformation: Yin and Yang are not static; they actually transform into each other (day turns into night, night into day; a night of heavy drinking leads to extreme euphoria, followed by a hangover, tiredness, depression the next morning)
5. Infinite divisibility: everything can be further divided into Yin and Yang (day and night, morning and afternoon, mid-day to mid-afternoon, and so on)

**Each stage contains a seed of the opposite. This is easily understood when thinking of day and night. You will find the aspects of night and day waxing and waning. Midnight is Yin within Yin, or total darkness, but as you approach daytime (Yin) and Dawn, you will experience Yang within Yin. Yang within Yang would be midday, and then as the sun sets, Yin will then be present in Yang. All life systems are in constant flux.

• Midnight: Yin within Yin
• Dawn: Yang within Yin
• Day: Yang within Yang
• Evening: Yin within Yang

The four seasons are also an easy way to understand this concept:

• Winter: Yin within Yin
• Spring: Yang within Yin
• Summer: Yang within Yang
• Fall: Yin within Yang

Truthfully, it has helped me personally to embrace the season of Winter when viewing it as a time for rest, introspection, and meditation. It is not realistic to expect to be in constant motion or total inertia, but you can embrace Yin and Yang time, and the opposition of both.

It helps to also perceive Yin and Yang as separate times for conservation, storage, and sustainment (Yin) and for transformation, activity, and change (Yang).

The Menstrual Cycle

Last year, I wrote a blog post about HIIT training while menstruating and whether it is a good idea for one’s body. HIIT training, for simplicity, would be anything where you are sustaining a high heart rate for a long period of time, such as running or cycling. The idea of intervals can be a part of it. The concept of Yin-Yang has further shed light on my view. The concern is that fatiguing a body that is menstruating with high activity not only is not necessary but may deplete already low stores of energy. Adversely, during the ovulation stage, a woman is at her most energetic (evolutionarily, she is seeking reproduction).

If Yang is activity, and Yin is rest, then the four phases of the cycle can be understood as follows when considering hormones, evolution, and energy levels.

• Ovulation (activity, transformation, change): Yang within Yang (this is the time for most activity, the body is energized, take advantage with HIIT training/running)
• Luteal: Yin within Yang (time to slow, fatigue might approach as menstruation approaches, so activity can wane or taper off; be gentle with walking, Tai Chi, swimming, or yoga in latter half of Luteal)
• Menstruation (storage, sustainment): Yin within Yin (very little energy, a time for rest and little activity, walking or stretching/yoga okay if preferred, and you can up activity as menstruation lessens)
• Follicular: Yang within Yin (energy returning, HIIT training/running, etc., okay)

Advice on the internet about training with your period essentially follows this activity balance, which aligns with the Yin-Yang concept and its relation to the menstrual cycle.

I also follow this schedule personally with a balance of walking, running, yoga, and strength training. I believe that conserving my energy when I need to, being kind to myself, respecting my body, and taking advantage of the times my energy waxes and wanes not only has improved my mood and performance, but has also set me up for a more sustainable way to maintain my desired activity throughout my lifetime without becoming disillusioned or resentful.

One thing I like about Chinese Medicine is that contrary to some belief, it embraces the following aspects to interpreting and treating disease:

• science/nature;
• logic (inductive and deductive reasoning);

In the context of determining optimal timing and conditions for activity and rest in relation to the menstrual cycle, these aspects have been carefully considered and applied.

Therefore, applying this theory to personal experiences, such as embracing the seasons or understanding the fluctuations in energy during a woman’s cycle, reveals its practical utility. Furthermore, recognizing the phases of Yin and Yang within these cycles allows for a deeper connection with and understanding of one’s body, a more harmonious approach to daily activities, and an understanding of how to live one’s life so that you are in balance.

In essence, the theory of Yin and Yang is not confined to ancient philosophy or medical practice; it is a timeless and universally applicable concept that invites us to navigate life’s complexities and nuances with balance, awareness, and a holistic understanding of the dynamic interplay between opposing forces. Indeed, Yin and Yang helps us to embrace our harmonious existence in constant flux.

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Thank you for reading! Feel free to browse and read my blog page, a space where I share reflections on modern health through the lens of Chinese Medicine and holistic care. You’ll find insights on the mind-body connection, emotional wellness, natural healing approaches, and how ancient traditions can support our lives today. Read more about how it works here.

Read about the best time to get acupuncture for hormone balance here and hormonal migraines and natural treatments with acupuncture here.

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