Energetics and Nutrition: Yin and Yang:

Question 1

Yin and Yang

Answer 1

Yin and Yang is a Chinese concept of dualism and balance. It describes how opposite forces are distinct but also related and connected to one another.

• Yin / Yang theory provides an accessible language for describing:
  o The qualities of living beings and their environments
  o Patterns of health and disease
  o The properties of food and other medicines

Question 2

Yin and Yang:
Yin properties

Answer 2

As well as hot, cold, dry and moist, Yin and Yang have a range of other important qualities:

Yin:
* Cold
* Moist
* Matter
* Contraction
* Descending
* Nourishing
* Water

Question 3

Yin and Yang:
Yang properties

Answer 3

As well as hot, cold, dry and moist, Yin and Yang have a range of other important qualities:

Yang:
* Hot
* Dry
* Energy
* Expansion
* Rising
* Moving
* Fire

Question 4

Yin and Yang:
Harmony

Answer 4

Good health is an expression of harmony between Yin and Yang. When out of balance, there is dis-ease.

• If Yin does not cool and nourish the body due to insufficient cooling, hydrating and nourishing foods (Green veg, fruit, smoothies, soups), Yang may rise, leading to signs such as headaches, red-faced, nosebleeds, or irritability.
• When Yang does not warm and activate the body due to insufficient warming, drying and moving foods (stews, onion, garlic, spices), there may be signs of cold such as chills, tiredness, lethargy, poor circulation or oedema.

Question 5

Yin foods

Answer 5

Some foods are Yin in their actions, while others are Yang.
Yin foods are:
* Cooling, hydrating and nourishing.
* They are used to balance excess heat or dryness, or to rebuild a system depleted by exhaustion or illness
Cooling Yin Foods include:
* Bitter, leafy greens
* Watery fruit and veg such as pear, melon, celery
Nourishing Yin Foods include:
* Soups, stews, broths
* Braised meats
* Dark leafy greens
* Fruit
* Yoghurt
* Honey
* Oyster
* Tempeh
* Nut milks
* Sesame

Question 6

Yang foods

Answer 6

Some foods are Yin in their actions, while others are Yang.
Yang foods are:
* Warming, drying or moving.
* They are used to balance excess cold and dampness
Warming foods and drinks include:
* Soups, stews, dahls
* Warm porridges
* Beef and Lamb
* Stir-fried and Baked food
* Onion, Garlic
* Ginger, Cinnamon
* Black pepper, Cumin
* Coriander seeds, Mustard seeds
* Warm water, Herbal teas
Foods and spices that clear dampness includes:
* Non-gluten grains (dry-roast then cooked as a side to veg or tea)
* Mushrooms
* Fennel seed tea, Cinnamon tea
* Horseradish, Black radish
* Ginger
* Seeds (mustard, cumin, cardamon, star anise)
* Szechuan pepper