Asian Medicine Explained

Whenever I read this passage, I picture the Taijitu symbol which is often used to explain the relationship between Yin and Yang, as well as their origins. "The Way" or Tao represents the ultimate source of all things, which gave birth to the One, representing the unity of existence. The One then gave birth to the Two, Yin and Yang, which together form the dualistic nature of the universe. This duality then gives rise to the Three, representing the balance between Yin and Yang.

In Asian medicine, Yin-Yang analysis helps us understand the tendency of things to change. Yin qualities, such as contraction, closing, shrinking, or coolness, are complemented by Yang qualities, such as expansion, opening, moving, growing, or warmth. By balancing these opposing forces, we can achieve a harmonious state of health.

The Five Phases - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water - is a system for categorizing and unifying different aspects of the world based on their qualities, characteristics, and interactions. When talking about Five Phases in the body, each phase has two jobs: enabling and limiting, and each phase occurs in sequence.  

Each phase is represented by a natural element that has hallmark characteristics which describe the dynamic cycles of nature and the human body.  These phases are like the changing seasons, where each phase is interconnected and dependent on the others for balance and harmony.