Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Yin Yang Theory

More Information

Yin

Can be defined but not limited to these examples:

Moon, black, winter, cold, dark, slow, dense, feminine, passive, black, dull, potential energy.

Yang

Can be defined but not limited to these examples:

Sun, white, summer, hot, light, fast, sparse, masculine, aggressive, bright, energy

Yin and Yang Relationships

Interdependence

Yin and Yang are opposites, but interdependent amongst each other. Examples of this are:

• A fire (Yang) would not burn if not for the fuel (Yin).

• When you are playing a sport or working hard, you are in a Yang state. Your body releases sweat to cool itself, which is Yin. This brings your body back to homeostasis. If this didn’t happen we would rapidly move to an exhausted state, which could be described as excess Yang. Likewise if you were improperly dressed in the winter (Yin), your body would begin to shiver (Yang) in an attempt to again return the body back to homeostasis. If this did not happen or you did not return a warmer environment you would move into a hypothermic state, which can be described as excess Yin

Coexistence

Even though yin and yang are considered opposites we never see a complete separation between the two as they coexist together. The primary example used to demonstrate this is seen in the yin yang symbol (Fig 1.0).  We see two colours white (Yang) and black (Yin) that are split into two equal halves to symbolize balance. You can also note the smaller black and white spheres within their opposite colour. This is symbolizing that yin is within yang and yang is within yin.  In nature we can see this our seasons.  Winter (Yin) at 12pm (Yang), this would be described as Yang within Yin. The opposite would be Summer (Yang) at 12am (yin), this would be described as Yin within Yang.

Transformation

As Yin will always exist in Yang and Yang will always exist in yin these states transition between each other.  Again we can see this represented in the Yin Yang symbol (Fig 1.0). Take note of the white (Yang) tail tapering into the Black (Yin) and the black (Yin) tail tapering into the white (Yang)

This can be seen in regards to life and death. We begin with atoms collecting into molecules producing matter (Yin). In death the molecules of matter break down again and separate back to their individual atoms Yang consider the collection of molecules

Visual Examples

Seasons:

Time of Day:

Food: Click here

5 Element Theory

The 5 Element diagram (Fig 2.0) demonstrates the natural and pathological cycles listed below.

The 5 elements of TCM are: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

To interpret this theory we first need to understand that the Chinese utilize metaphors and similes to explain functionality. The origins of this medicine predate our latest scientific terminology. It is extremely important not to characterize the literal translations as a definition. This is unfortunately a common practice.  

All things move through cyclical changes as we discussed with Yin Yang Theory.  Think of 5 element theory as a way of explaining the functions and relationships of an ecosystem (nature and human). We use the 5 Element system to go deeper into explaining the characteristics of a healthy or pathological individual. Once patterns and pathology characteristics are documented, we are able to determine the best course of action to help you reverse pathology and return to homeostasis.

Maintaining Homeostasis, The Sequences

Generating (creation) Sequence

When our minds and bodies are functioning properly, we maintain health and balance. In a Western, biological sense, we are functioning through normal states of apoptosis and neogenesis. We often consider one organ more important than another, but this isolated way thinking neglects the fact that we are more like a collection of systems.

This sequence is some times compared to as a “Mother” and “Child” relationship.  The “Mother” element is responsible for generating or creating each subsequent element - “Child”. 

Represented in Fig 2.0, the Generating Sequence is seen with arrows moving in a clockwise manner.  Wood (generates) ↠ Fire, Fire ↠  Earth, Earth ↠  Metal, Metal ↠  Wood

Controlling Sequence

Without having a system that monitors and controls, we would quickly move out of homeostasis. In Western medicine you can relate this to the impressive feedback loops our bodies constantly utilize to adjust body position, hormone control, energy production etc.

This sequence is sometimes compared to as the “Father” and “Child” relationship. The “Father” element is responsible for controlling the “Child” element, maintaining balance and homeostasis.

Represented in Fig 2.0, the Controlling Sequence is seen with arrows moving in a clockwise pentagram.  Wood (controls) → Earth, Earth → Water, Water → Fire, Fire → Metal

Pathological, Disharmony

Maintaining balance is complicated and sometimes things happen to us beyond our control or our bodies ability to maintain health. These things may be environmental, physiological, or related to microorganisms. The following sequences relate to an imbalance in the system.

Overacting Sequence

This sequence functions similar to the Controlling Sequence, but in this case the elements are out of balance. The “Father” element is in an overacting or excessive state. It then overwhelms the “Child” or subsequent element, making it deficient and resulting in patterns of pathology attributed to the elements involved.

Represented in Fig 2.0, the Overacting Sequence is seen with a large arrow pointing in a clockwise pentagram.  Wood (overacts) on ➡ Earth, Earth ➡ Water, Water ➡ Fire, Fire ➡ Metal

Note: It is more common to only see one element overacting on another, when the pathology is less severe.  When we see more elements involved conditions are more severe.

Insulting, Rebelling

Again this sequence functions similar to the Controlling Sequence, with the elements out of balance. The Insulting Sequence functions the opposite to the Overacting Sequence.  In this case the “Child” element is in an overacting or excessive state. It then overwhelms the “Father” or subsequent element making it deficient, resulting in patterns of pathology attributed to the elements involved.

Represented in Fig 2.0, the Insulting Sequence is seen with a large arrow pointing in a counter-clockwise pentagram.  Wood (insults) on ➛ Metal, Metal ➛ Fire, Fire ➛ Water, Water ➛ Earth

Note: It is more common to only see one element overacting on another, as the pathology is less severe.  When we see more elements involved conditions are more severe.

Zang-Fu Theory

A far more detail orientated theory that combines Yin Yang theory, 5 Element theory, acupuncture, herbology and TCM dietary therapy.

Simplified

Zang-Fu theory utilizes 12 main organs and their subsequent meridians. The organs are organized respectively into either Zang (Yin) or Fu (Yang) categories. Zang-Fu theory connects an organs biological function with its TCM 5 Element and Yin Yang relationship. Each Zang-Fu organ has their own functions, emotions, tastes, smells, senses, personality, body tissues, and pathological patterns, as well as their own qi pathways through the body (meridians). Zang-Fu is also applied to food and herbology utilizing the same format.

Zang Organs are Yin in nature and typically filled with a vital substance (qi, blood, body fluids).  The Zang organs are: lung, spleen, heart, kidney, pericardium, and liver.

Fu Organs are Yang in nature and are typically hollow. They are responsible for receiving food, digesting food, and excreting waste. The Fu organs are: large intestine, stomach, small intestine, urinary bladder, triple burner, and gallbladder.

The Complicated Relationships, Western & Eastern Perspectives

The relationships of Zang-Fu theory may seem a bit abstract at times so to help better understand them we will lightly delve into embryology, epigenetics and cell-signalling .

Embryology

Consider this: a healthy individual is produced when 23 chromosomes from your mothers egg are met by 23 chromosome by your fathers sperm.  The egg is fertilized and creates a single cell, called a zygote. In Western medicine we would relate this your genetics, and in TCM this is your prenatal essence. After fertilization begins cellular division (mitosis) and growth. The energy being used here could be described as your first expression of, or use of qi (TCM calls this “original qi”). 

The cells continue to evolve, and our embryo grows to form 3 different germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. From here begins the organogenesis stage (approx. week 3 – 8) of pregnancy. Organogenesis is when we begin development of our organs and systems. In Western medicine this can be the key to understanding system relationships and pathology.

During organogenesis we see the following developments: in the ectoderm we develop neurological sensory systems (feedback loops), pituitary gland, pineal gland, adrenal medulla and more. In the mesoderm we develop organs such as: the heart, kidney, spleen, reproductive and musculoskeletal systems and more. In the endoderm we develop the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus glands, epithelium of the digestive and respiratory tract, and more. It is not surprising then when look back the 5 Element diagram (Fig 2.0) there are very similar connections between organ relationships, according to TCM theory.

More importantly perhaps is realizing that you have evolved from a 0.1mm speck (zygote) to what you are now. We grow, get stretched, and moulded into different shapes, textures, colours and density. But as we don’t have memories of these experiences, we often do not conceptualize that everything still remains connected.

Epigenetics & Cell Signalling

Epigenetics is the study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself, and cell signalling relates to various cellular interactions. In Western medicine, we are constantly discovering the relationships between genetics, biology, psychology and their subsequent cellular pathways.

It is common in both Western and Eastern theories, that small, subtle changes appear irrelevant until after long periods of time and/or exposure.  If we relate epigenetics and cell signalling to a nature metaphor, like TCM often does, we may find it easier to bridge Western and Eastern theories.

Consider a river and its banks. Imagine yourself standing on the on the edge of a rivers bank. If you were to take your GPS coordinates at that location and then return 24 hrs later, do you think you would notice a difference? Not likely.  But now return to those same coordinates 30 years later, undoubtedly there would be change. We can relate our gene expression to the river in that it may be modified by an increase or decrease in volume, flow rate, temperature, and even phase. The effects seen in the rivers banks, which we can relate to cell signalling, affects changes to organs, structure and body functionality.

TCM has for thousands of years documented Zang-Fu patterns and relationships between nature (environment, diet, herbology, emotions) and human. Now supporting information is beginning to be presented in the Western scientific format.  The similes and metaphors of TCM (dampness, cold, dryness, phlegm, etc) are being rediscovered as “cell-signalling”,  “hormones”, “endorphins”, “gut biome”, “epigenetics” and so one.

Regardless of what you call it, Zang-Fu theory is a system that has proven itself through the testament of time.

The Nature of Disease

Etiology & Pathogenesis

To better understand the nature of pathology we look at both etiology (cause of the pathology) and the pathogenesis (process of how the pathogen evolves and negatively influences the system). The main contributing factors in TCM pathology are: environmental, emotional, and a few others relating to more of a physical nature.

By understanding the Pathogenesis we can work to reverse its affects and return to homeostasis. By understanding Etiology we work to prevent pathogen reoccurrence. 

Characteristics Associated with Etiology & Pathogenesis

Environmental

Wind, cold, damp, heat, summer heat, and dryness.

Emotions

Anger, fright, fear, grief, joy, worry and pensiveness.

Others

Weak constitution (genetics), over exertion, excessive sexual activity, diet & nutrition, physical trauma, parasites & poisons, and incorrect treatment (iatrogenic).

Visual Examples of TCM Theory