What exactly is Yin and Yang?
While many people have heard the term Yin-Yang or know its famous symbol, few understand what Yin-Yang truly is.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of Yin and Yang serves as the foundation for understanding health, as well as diagnosing and treating illnesses.
In Chinese philosophy, Yin-yang translates into “dark-bright”. Yin and yang used to describe relative opposite qualities or manifestations of Qi.
The human body has organic unity. The sense of unity is based on the opposing and complementary relationship of Yin and Yang. Illness occurs when Yin and Yang becomes unbalanced in the body.
Food also has Yin and Yang aspect. Coffee or spicy food are Yang in nature, whereas fish or tofu are considered more Yin. Too many Yang food can dry out the body. Too many Yin food like ice cream can slow digestive process.
In the 17th century classic Chinese Materia Medica, or the history of pharmacy, first recorded bird’s nest for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It was used by royalty to treat skin ailments. Made from a saliva-like secretion produced by swiftlets, a bird’s nest is a delicacy that can benefit everyone.
Bird’s nest nourishes Yin energy in the lungs, resolves phlegm, relieves coughing and it has been proven that consuming bird nest improves Yin and Yang energy in the body.