Yin and Yang in the body
Yin and Yang in the body
The Yin and Yang theory is based on the idea that all phenomena are the product of and influenced by the interaction between nature’s two polar tendencies. This polarisation is reflected in our daily lives, for example, by the union of man and woman; the mechanics of electricity; the merging of day and night.
Yin and Yang are complementary opposites and describe the process of change in the relative world. Below are some examples:
·Mind (Yin) and physical body (Yang)
·Acid (Yin) and alkaline (Yang)
·Blood flow to the heart (Yin) and from the heart (Yang)
·Solid organs (Yin) and hollow organs (Yang)
·Cold (Yin) and hot (Yang)
An example of Yin and Yang dynamics is the pH level (relative acidity or alkalinity) of the body. By changing breathing patterns, the lungs immediately compensate for a change in pH. Deeper breaths blow off carbon dioxide. This creates less carbonic acid in the buffer system. By simply breathing more deeply, the body becomes more alkaline. By the same token, shallow breathing allows carbon dioxide to accumulate, leading to a more acidic environment.
From the Western medical perspective, the body consists of 14 major systems. In anatomical and physiological terms, there are muscular, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, immune, reproductive, endocrine systems and so on. In general, the body is in homeostasis when its needs are being met and its functions are occurring smoothly.
Virtually every organ system plays a role in maintaining the constancy of the healthy internal environment. Communication within the body is essential for homeostasis, and this is accomplished primarily by the nervous and endocrine systems.
