Yin and Yang

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Recently I have been seeing an acupuncturist in order to help with my various health challenges. 

While I can report actual improvement when it comes to sleep and digestion, I wish he'd stop telling me his conspiracy theories / conclusions like "all these people I treat that suffer from infertility or blood problems, wouldn't have these problems if they didn't get the Covid vaccine". 

Other things he's talking about, may be worth exploring, such as the interaction of Yin and Yang in terms of complementary forces that exist in the human body, as well as the five elements Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.

For example when Liver Yin (the cooling, nourishing aspect) is deficient or imbalanced, it can lead to symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, dry eyes, and headaches. a deficiency in Liver Yin might manifest as symptoms related to heat and excess, such as hypertension and elevated cholesterol levels.

In contrast, an imbalance in Liver Yang (the warming, active aspect) might lead to symptoms such as agitation, anger, dizziness, and a flushed face. Excess Liver Yang can contribute to conditions associated with heat and agitation, potentially exacerbating hypertension and cholesterol imbalances.

I'm having a hard time understanding these interactions. Both, a deficient Liver Yin and an excess Yang may mess with my blood pressure?

In nutrition, this concept of Yin and Yang can be applied to promote a balanced and harmonious food intake. Here are some ways in which the principle of yin and yang can be applied to nutrition:

Balanced meals: A balanced meal should contain both yin and yang foods. For example, yin foods such as green leafy vegetables, fruits and salads could be combined with yang foods such as meat, fish and grains.

Thermal consideration: Yin and Yang foods are often classified in terms of their thermal nature. Yang foods such as ginger, garlic and cinnamon generate heat in the body, while yin foods such as cucumbers, watermelon and salads have a cooling effect. A balanced diet should contain an appropriate amount of thermally diverse foods to maintain balance in the body.

Variety of colors: In Chinese medicine, foods are also classified according to their color. Yang foods tend to be brighter and more vibrant, while yin foods are often darker and more muted. A colorful array of fruits and vegetables in different colors can ensure that you get a variety of nutrients and energy sources.

Energetic effects: Yin and yang foods also have different energetic effects on the body. For example, yang foods can be stimulating and energizing, while yin foods are calming and relaxing. Depending on individual needs and the current physical condition, the choice of foods can be adjusted accordingly.

Moderation and balance: The most important principle in applying yin and yang to nutrition is moderation and balance. It is about creating a balance between the different foods in order to promote health and well-being. Too much of any one type of food can lead to imbalance and potentially cause health problems.

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Here's a list of some common foods and their classifications:

Yin Foods (Cooling):

1. Fruits: Watermelon, pear, apple, banana, kiwi, citrus fruits
2. Vegetables: Cucumber, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, celery, tomato
3. Seafood: Seaweed, algae, clam, crab, mussels
4. Dairy: Milk, yogurt, cheese
5. Beans and Legumes: Soybeans, tofu, mung beans, lentils
6. Herbs and Spices: Mint, cilantro, dill, parsley, fennel
7. Beverages: Green tea, herbal teas (chamomile, peppermint), coconut water

Yang Foods (Warming):

1. Meats: Beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, venison
2. Oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna  
3. Grains: Quinoa, oats, brown rice, barley
4. Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds
5. Fruits: Peach, cherry, mango, durian
6. Vegetables: Onion, garlic, leek, ginger, mustard greens
7. Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, black pepper, cayenne pepper
8. Beverages: Coffee, black tea, ginger tea, chai tea

The tricky thing is to remember that the classification of foods as Yin or Yang in TCM is not solely based on their temperature or taste, but also on their effects on the body's energy balance. In other words, just because you're drinking a hot green tea doesn't mean you're doing something to warm up your body.

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I noticed that carrots - one of my staple foods - aren't on any of the above lists, and I did some more digging. Here's what I found: They are generally considered a neutral food, meaning they are neither strongly Yin nor strongly Yang. However, the preparation of carrots, bring out different qualities:

Raw carrots are considered more Yin because they are cooling and hydrating. They are crunchy and have a fresh, crisp texture. Raw carrots retain their natural enzymes and nutrients, including vitamin C and beta-carotene, which can be beneficial for health.

Steamed carrots are slightly more Yang because cooking them adds warmth to their nature. Steaming softens the texture of carrots, making them easier to digest. Cooking carrots can also increase the availability of certain nutrients, such as beta-carotene, which is more easily absorbed from cooked carrots than raw ones.

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Another of my favorite foods wasn't on the list: Avocado, which is interesting because it exhibits characteristics of both Yin and Yang, making it somewhat neutral overall.

Yin Aspects: Avocado is considered cooling and moistening, which aligns with Yin properties in TCM. Its high water content and smooth, creamy texture contribute to its Yin nature.

Yang Aspects: Avocado is also nutrient-dense and rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which provide energy and support various bodily functions. This aspect leans more towards Yang.

As if balancing carbs, proteins and fats wasn't challenging enough, now we have to consider yin and yang factors, too? 

In your everyday life, what factors - if anything other than "is it yummy" - do you take into account when deciding on a dish?