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== Yin and Yang ==

'''Yin and Yang''' (/jɪn/ and /jɑːŋ/, respectively) are concepts originating from ancient [[Chinese philosophy]], particularly [[Taoism]]. They represent two opposing and complementary forces or principles that make up all aspects and phenomena of life.

=== Etymology ===

The term "Yin and Yang" comes from the Chinese words "阴" (yīn) meaning "dark side" and "阳" (yáng) meaning "sunny side". The concept has been part of Chinese culture for thousands of years and is a fundamental idea in [[Chinese medicine]].

=== Concept ===

Yin and Yang describe how seemingly opposite forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they may give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another. In [[Chinese medicine]], Yin and Yang are used to understand the body's structure, function, and diseases in relation to the balance or imbalance of the body's vital substances.

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Qi]]: In traditional Chinese culture, Qi is believed to be a vital force forming part of any living entity. Qi translates literally as "air" and figuratively as "material energy", "life force", or "energy flow".
* [[Five Elements]]: The Five Elements Theory is a Chinese philosophy used to explain a wide array of phenomena, from cosmic cycles to the interaction between internal organs, and from the succession of political regimes to the properties of medicinal drugs.
* [[Meridian (Chinese medicine)]]: Meridians are paths through which the life-energy known as "Qi" flows.

=== See Also ===

* [[Traditional Chinese Medicine]]
* [[Taoism]]
* [[Acupuncture]]

[[Category:Chinese philosophy]]
[[Category:Traditional Chinese Medicine]]
[[Category:Taoism]]

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