According to early Chinese philosophical and medical theory, a part can only be truly understood in relation to the whole. This is done primarily by identifying and studying the relationships between phenomena through their behavioral patterns. These patterns are described through a dialectic constructed of two polar complements known as Yin and Yang theory. Yin and Yang are simple labels used to describe how things function in relation to one another, and the environment that is around them. In this logic, no entity can be isolated, or can exist in and of itself. In addition, Yin and Yang must always contain within themselves an element of the opposite, the possibility of change.

Yin is usually associated with the qualities of soft, dark, female, rest, front, cold, slowness, inwardness, decrease, etc… In contrast, Yang is usually associated with the qualities of hard, light, male, activity, back, heat, fast, exterior and increase. Working with this principle, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) has further developed five characteristics, which describe the nature of Yin’s relationship with Yang. They are as follows:

• All things have two aspects.
• Any aspect of Yin and Yang can again be broken down into Yin and Yang.
• Yin and Yang mutually create each other.
• Yin and Yang control each other.
• Yin and Yang transform into each other.

Within Western thinking, we do not think we know a thing until we’ve grasped the why of it. However, in Chinese thought, the why is not needed. All phenomena unfold through a mutual cooperation, an inner dynamic that results in a cyclical pattern. Knowledge is the accurate perception of the movement within these patterns and how they relate.