I am currently taking a course on Asian traditions and philosophies and have fallen in love with the culture. As I became more interested in Asian practices, I decided that I wanted to see a naturopathic doctor in order to help create a more balanced yin and yang lifestyle for myself.The yin yang symbol represents two complementary opposites within a greater whole that are always in a state of flux. These polar opposites are complementary because by understanding one we better understand the existence of the other. For example, we could never truly understand what happiness was until we experienced sadness.
We each have unique characteristics that define ourselves and our personality. These characteristics, according to Taoism, can be classified as yin or yang. The Chinese symbol for yang is the sunny side of the hill and it represents fullness, hotness, and masculinity. Yin, or shady side of the hill, represents emptiness, coldness, and femininity. The ultimate goal is to have a perfect balance between these complementary opposites.
Yin foods tend to be cooling and/or moistening for the body. Yang foods tend to be warming and drying. Individuals with yin imbalances should eat warm lamb or beef dishes, dark poultry, meat-based soups and stews, free-range eggs, eel, trout, and wild salmon. Vegetable options include cooked root veggies, baked winter squash, onions, and mustard greens. Nuts and seeds are warming, as are butter, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and pepper. Helpful grains include oatmeal, quinoa, and buckwheat.
Individuals that have high heat (yang qualities) should stick to foods that are cooling such as melons, pears, bean dishes, sprouts, sushi, non-spicy soups, and lots of water. Alcohol and sugar should be avoided. Mint is a beneficial cooling herb whereas pepper, garlic, ginger, and onions should be reduced.
Discover if you have a yin or yang imbalance and change your lifestyle today!
