Yin-Yang: The Qi of the Universe
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Qi is the idea of universal vital energy. Since qi literally translates to “air”, Chinese medicine bases all illnesses on qi and its varying atmosphere. The four qi are hot, warm, cool, and cold. Illnesses are caused by the imbalances in temperatures. Hot and cold are the extreme imbalances that cause disease while warm and cool are the mild imbalances. The ideal state of health would be the equilibrium point in qi, being neither too hot or too cold in nature. Yin-Yang is a composite of the idea of perfect balance and opposites in the universe. “Yin” and “Yang” are the entwined but opposite energies in every living being in the universe. The “Yin” is cold, black, and calm while the “Yang” is the hot, white, fiery energy or “qi.” The optimal health would be a perfect balance between both, but unfortunately, imbalances in mind, body, and spirit occur frequently. Chinese medicine’s goal is to reinstate this delicate balance by counteracting excess “Yin” energy with more “Yang” energy and vice versa.