Yin and Yang & Five Elements theory

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Let me give a brief explanation of the ancient concept elaborated by Taoism many thousands of years ago. Yin and Yang symbolize the perspective of balance and continual changeover. Everything in the Universe is subjected to the action of these forces -please, do not bring up the scientific perspective as my discussion goes well beyond that- as nothing escapes to it, and their flux being eternal.

Yin and Yang (we could have called Alpha and Omega but it is not a Greek concept so we must respect Chinese philosophy as their original discoverers of this philosophical idea) represent the dependent opposites that must always be in balance. The opposites flow in a natural cycle always replacing the other. Just as the seasons cycle and create a time of heat and cold, Yin and Yang cycles through active and passive, dark and light, etc. They are in constant struggle for dominance bringing life and equilibrium to the system; however, none of them (Yang as emerging and Yin as withdrawing) will completely cancel the effects of the opposite; that is, if we take for example the model of day-night, then the latter cannot perpetuate itself since the former will quickly appear in order to counteract its effect (darkness).

That principle has many other manifestations; if you take a look at all the phenomena you can observe in the Universe you will notice that everything is grouped in pairs following this model: light-dark, hot-cold, life-death, high-low, proton-neutron, fast-slow, fire-water, activity-inactivity, push-pull, masculine-femenine, etc.

Yin and Yang can also be subdivided in what Chinese Taoism refers to as the Five Element Theory, as both forces will interact and give rise to different energetic manifestations:

1. Wood as generative. Ying and Yang will combine in such way that the blend will manifest itself as an expanding force. For instance, tree growth.

2. Metal as contracting. Ying and Yang will combine in such way that the blend will manifest itself as a solidifying force. For instance, a one-dollar coin.

3. Earth as balancing. Ying and Yang will combine in such way that the blend will manifest itself as an centering force. For instance, soil.

4. Fire as expanding. Ying and Yang will combine in such way that the blend will manifest itself as an rising force. For instance, sun.

5. Water as sinking. Ying and Yang will combine in such way that the blend will manifest itself as an conserving force. For instance, water itself.

These energy phases are constantly changing activity, each one nourishing and controlling the other so that there is a constant circular movement without beginning or end. The interaction of these primordial forces creates harmony in the changing course of nature's cycles. The Five phases of Elemental Energy combine and recombine in countless forms and produce material life. Everything that exists contains the five elements in varying proportions.

The human body itself is the good starting point to understand the action of Yin and Yang and its five manifestations. I will look into this in a further post.