Energetics and Nutrition: Yin and Yang Imbalances

Question 1

Yin and Yang Imbalances

Answer 1

There are four principal imbalances of Yin-Yang, which we will explore in the following slides:

1. Excess Yang: strong signs of heat such as very red face, migraines, rage or high blood pressure (inflammatory signs – acute/extreme)
2. Deficient Yin: When Yin is deficient, Yang is not anchored, leading to moderate signs of heat such as low-grade fevers or night sweats
3. Excess Yin: Strong / extreme signs of cold such as blue tongue or skin, stabbing pains or cramps
4. Deficient Yang: When Yang doesn’t warm and activate the body, it leads to moderate signs of cold i.e. diarrhoea, tiredness, lethargy

Question 2

Excess Yang:
Signs and symptoms

Answer 2

Signs and symptoms:
* Red face
* Hypertension
* Anger
* Headaches
* Feeling hot
* Thirst
* Constipation

Question 3

Excess Yang:
Tongue

Answer 3

Tongue:
* Red, possibly with yellow coating

Question 4

Excess Yang:
Aetiology

Answer 4

Aetiology:
* Stress
* Diet
* Acute inflammation

Question 5

Excess Yang:
Avoid

Answer 5

Avoid:
* Stress
* Alcohol
* Coffee
* Back tea
* Fizzy drinks
* Red meats
* Hot spices
* Fried or greasy food
* Onion
* Garlic
* Processed foods

Question 6

Excess Yang:
Eat

Answer 6

Eat:
* Cooling Yin Foods
* Bitter greens
* Watery fruit, Melon
* Celery

Question 7

Excess Yang:
Lifestyle

Answer 7

Lifestyle:
* Avoid excess stress, strong exercise, hot yoga.
* Consider more gentle exercise i.e. walking, gentle yoga, Qi gong (Chinese system of gentle exercises and breathing)

Question 8

Yang deficiency:
Signs and symptoms

Answer 8

Signs and symptoms:
* Tired
* Chilly
* Pale
* Loose stool with undigested food
* Frequent pale urination
* Oedema
* Low libido
* Palpitations
* Lack of appetite

Question 9

Yang deficiency:
Tongue

Answer 9

Tongue:
* Pale, Swollen, Wet

Question 10

Yang deficiency:
Aetiology

Answer 10

Aetiology:
* Chronic illness
* Old age
* Cold, raw diet
* Chronic cold exposure

Question 11

Yang deficiency:
Avoid

Answer 11

Avoids:
* Raw foods, Salads
* Cold drinks, Smoothies

Question 12

Yang deficiency:
Eat:

Answer 12

Eat:
* Nourishing soups, stews
* Root vegetables, pumpkin
* Whole grains
* Spices
* Warm water and herbal teas

Question 13

Yang deficiency:
Lifestyle

Answer 13

Lifestyle:
* Wrap up warm
* Avoid cold exposure
* Avoid Stress and overwork
* Take hot baths, Use hot water bottles
* Moderate exercise such as walking or Qi gong

Question 14

Excess Yin:
Signs and symptoms

Answer 14

Signs and symptoms:
* Sharp pains, Cramps
* Pale/pale blue complexion
* Feeling cold all the time
* Constipation

Question 15

Excess Yin:
Tongue

Answer 15

Tongue:
* Blue, possibly with thick white coating

Question 16

Excess Yin:
Aetiology

Answer 16

Aetiology:
* Cold diet
* Chronic exposure to cold

Question 17

Excess Yin:
Avoid

Answer 17

Avoid:
* Raw foods, Salads
* Cold drinks, Smoothies

Question 18

Excess Yin:
Eat

Answer 18

Eat:
* Warming soups, stews, broths
* Warm water and herbal teas (E.g. ginger, cinnamon)

Question 19

Excess Yin:
Lifestyle

Answer 19

Lifestyle:
* Always stay warm
* Hot baths, Hot water bottle

Question 20

Yin deficiency:
Signs and symptoms

Answer 20

Signs and symptoms:
* Low-grade fever
* Dry throat at night
* Night sweats
* Weight loss
* Malar flush

Question 21

Yin deficiency:
Tongue

Answer 21

Tongue:
* Red, Cracked, Dry

Question 22

Yin deficiency:
Aetiology

Answer 22

Aetiology:
* Chronic illness
* Prolonged overwork
* Old-age
* Anaemia

Question 23

Yin deficiency:
Avoid

Answer 23

Avoid:
* Sugar
* Alcohol
* Coffee
* Hot spices
* Fried food
* Onion, Garlic

Question 24

Yin deficiency:
Eat:

Answer 24

Eat: Yin Nourishing foods
* Soups, stews, broths
* Braised meats
* Dark leafy greens
* Fruit
* Yoghurt
* Oyster
* Nut milk
* Sesame e.g. tahini

Question 25

Yin deficiency:
Lifestyle

Answer 25

Lifestyle:
* Sleep more
* Seek stillness
* Avoid strong exercise or excessive sexual activity