Yin and Yang are two forces in the universe that are effective everywhere. It explains the ongoing process and dynamics of natural change.

The well-known symbol of Yin and Yang represents the universal law of eternal change. It represents the way in which things change. Opposites attract each other, they condition each other, form a unity and ultimately – at their peak – become their opposite. It is a description without evaluation, neither yin nor yang is good or bad.

Yin and Yang are not absolute terms. They are always seen in relation to one another. An example: the chest is yin compared to the back, but yang compared to the pelvis.

We are healthy and our self-healing powers are active when Yin (vital sap and substance) and Yang (vital force and energy) are in a balanced relationship to one another.

Yin signifies vital fluids (blood) and substance, the ability to relax, restful sleep and good nerves, serenity, patience and calm, the condensed matter, earth, sinking down, darkness, cold, relaxation, retreat

Sufficient substance and vitality are necessary for this

Yang signifies life force and energy: Movement, dynamics, light, warmth, expansion, resistance, joie de vivre, willpower, sky, rises upwards. All active processes in our organism

Sufficient energy (Qi), life force and warmth are necessary for this

Illness is always an imbalance between yin (substance) and yang (energy). If a component is missing, there is no life. In death, energy and substance, i.e. yin and yang, have separated.

Yin and Yang are two forces in the universe that are effective everywhere. Their interplay is the basis for the continuous process of every natural change, every movement in the universe and the basis of man himself. Yin and Yang are relative quantities, they determine each other, are dependent on one another, together they form a whole, they are constantly in motion and in constant change.

We are healthy and our self-healing powers are active when Yin (vital sap and substance) and Yang (vital force and energy) are in a balanced relationship to one another.

There is no static state in the cosmos, everything is constantly in motion! We humans are also in a constant process of change. All manifestations have a share of yin and yang.

Yin is the sap of life (blood) and substance, the condensed matter, earth, sinks down, darkness, cold, relaxation, retreat

Yang is life force and energy, movement, dynamic, light, warmth, expansion, sky, rising upwards

Yin and Yang are opposites that together form a unit and depend on each other, they only exist in connection with each other.

Illness is always an imbalance between yin (substance) and yang (energy). If a component is missing, there is no life. In death, energy and substance, i.e. Yin and Yang, have separated.

Qi is the invigorating energy of all processes, our life force or life energy. It animates all living beings, nature and the cosmos. It is an energy that is present in all forms of matter and is concentrated in living organisms.

In TCM a distinction is made between prenatal and postnatal Qi. The prenatal or innate qi is inherited from parents and ancestors. This is stored in the kidneys and is our essence.

The postnatal qi is obtained from food and the air we breathe, which is why nutrition and exercise are so important. The Qi flows in the so-called meridians, but also circulates freely in the body – such as the Wei Qi, our defense energy. The Qi expands and is active during the day (Yang), at night it retreats inside to regenerate (Yin).

Qi can be abundant or deficient, stagnated or blocked. Abundance manifests itself in Yang or heat symptoms such as inflammation, rather sharp pain, high fever and acute events, deficiency, on the other hand, are mostly Yin or cold symptoms such as chills, numbness, edema, chronic and rather dull pain.

Qi is the breath of life, like a stream, an invisible force that keeps all physical, emotional and spiritual processes going and lets us be alive. It pulsates, transforms, nourishes and is the engine of an ongoing cyclical change, filled with the energies of heaven (Yang) and earth (Yin).

It directs the blood, the nervous and lymphatic systems (Ying-Qi), it strengthens the immune system (Wei-Qi). It turns food into body substances, keeps organs in place, prevents excessive perspiration, keeps the body warm, and is the source of movement and growth.

Qi is everywhere in the body, its flow runs along certain channels, the so-called meridians. There are 12 main meridians corresponding to the main organs and 8 extraordinary meridians.

Qi is the invigorating energy of all processes, our life energy. It animates all living beings, nature, the cosmos. The Qi flows in the so-called meridians, but also circulates freely in the body – such as the Wei Qi, our defense energy.

Qi expands during the day and is active (Yang), at night it retreats inside to regenerate (Yin).

“When we eat with pleasure, the stomach directs the purest portion of the essence from the food directly to the heart and awakens our joy of life.”

Good eating habits are the most important principle for strengthening the energy of the center.

• Prefer good quality and high quality food, seasonal and local food
• Establish a daily rhythm with regular meals
• Regular breakfast, lavish lunch and light dinner, the latter before 6:00 p.m.
• Serve lots of warm / cooked food (preferably 2-3 times a day)

While eating:

• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
• Don’t drink cold liquids with your meal, but rather clear and light soup, hot water or green tea.
• Don’t eat right away after getting angry
• Avoid exhausting discussions while eating
• Do not eat completely full

Quality of food and food preparation:

• Use organic ingredients (whenever your budget and availability permits)
• No artificial food additives, no ready meals.
• No microwave

Detailed advice:

• Simple meals (do not combine too many different proteins and carbohydrates)
• Lots of vegetables (preferably only briefly steamed or seared)
• Boiled cereals (millet or barley, bulgur – together with some soy, coconut or almond milk, also suitable as a healthy breakfast)
• Neutral foods to which you add warm and refreshing ingredients
• Soups that warm the whole stomach (e.g. Chinese style)
• Vegetables that grow in the ground

Food items with a (naturally) sweet flavour and neutral thermal properties have the following effect: strengthening Qi, harmonizing, moisturizing, relaxing, saturating, nourishing.

However the sweet flavour has no direction of action, i.e. it’s harder to digest. Therefore add other tastes. Too much sweetness creates moisture, which leads to phlegm. ‘Visible’ phlegm manifests as an excess in body fat.

However don’t be fooled by instagram and lifestyle magazine depictions of skinny and „sporty“ looking models. Healthy bodies have mainly the outline and body fat distribution visible in many Renaissence or classical art nude paintings.