YIN YANG and Your Health
- August 5, 2020
The ancient Chinese observed and recorded the natural patterns and cycles as seen from the constant changes in the seasons and climate over millennia. The ancient Chinese were able to explain the cyclical fluctuations in natural phenomena as well as in human physiology with the Yin Yang principle. Yin Yang can be applied to explain the workings of almost any system, the weather, climate or physiological systems. Yin is traditionally associated with the moon, darkness and passivity; while yang is associated with the sun, light and activity.
Earlier in 2019, researchers used the concept of Yin Yang as a model to explain the interdependence of melatonin synthesis from serotonin for promoting sleep. This example of melatonin-serotonin synthesis illustrates the dynamic relationship of Yin Yang to explain the sleep cycle.
Gersema E. (2019). A good night’s sleep may be in sight [Internet]. Los Angeles: USC Dornsife. Retrieved from: https://dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/2999/researchers-to-develop-new-sleep-disorder-treatments
Melatonin is associated with promoting sleep and therefore is considered to be Yin, relative to serotonin which is Yang. Sun/Daylight helps promote the production of serotonin (Yang). From an eastern perspective, serotonin would be considered to be Yang, as serotonin is a neurotransmitter that promotes activity, cognitive functions, a happy mood and healthy gut function. And appropriate levels of serotonin motivate us to perform daily activities. But serotonin is needed as a precursor for melatonin synthesis and therefore serotonin and melatonin are interdependent. Melatonin would be considered to be Yin as it aids in sleep. Or in other words, the Yin functions are for the most part the parasympathetic (aka, rest and repair) responses which often happen when we are resting or asleep, while the Yang functions are the sympathetic responses.
Autonomic Nervous system: Sympathetic (Yang)/ Parasympathetic (Yin)
From an eastern perspective, optimal health is when the Yin and Yang functions are in dynamic balance and self-regulating without the long-term dependence of substances. For instance, after a hectic day at work or after a rigorous workout requiring your body to be active, your body is able to return to a resting heartrate and you will be able have a good night’s rest. However, for many people, this dynamic balance between Yin and Yang functions needs the assistance of sleep aids or caffeine, or prescription drugs to get many going or winding down. With the lockdowns, for some of us, this may be an opportunity to restore the Yin Yang balance by creating new habits that support Yin Yang functions.
Next time, I’ll share some tips on how to bring your body back into more balance.