In chinese tonic herbalism, we utilize the
law of yin and yang constantly. Tonic
herbs are categorized according to yin and
yang. It is the attempt of tonic
herbalism to provide yin and yang energy
in an appropriate balance so that the
individual eventually attains a proper
dynamic balance and thus attains radiant
health. Thus it is important to discern
which balance of yin and yang herbs is
appropriate. A person who shows signs of
yin deficiency will do well to take more
yin herbs while a person who shows signs
of yang deficiency should take more yang
herbs.
It is our belief that, since yin and yang
are always both necessary, both yin and
yang herbs should be consumed by
everybody. Since yin is by definition
cooling, moistening and relaxing, yin
deficiency is often characterized by hot
conditions, hot feelings, dryness and
agitation. Yang, on the other hand, is
warming, drying and invigorating.
Therefore yang deficiency is characterized
by cold feelings and conditions, excessive
moistness and a lack of vitality
(fatigue).
Chinese tonic herbalism is an adaptogenic
system. This relates to the concept that
the body-mind is naturally and innately
self-regulatory. Human neurological and
endocrine functions have evolved over
millions of years as the primary human
regulatory systems designed by nature to
maintain homeostasis (functional balance),
even under an enormous variety of
stressful conditions, thus allowing the
whole system to survive and even thrive.
The chinese tonic herbs appear to help
these fundamental regulatory systems in
maintaining optimal functioning and
provide increased vitality in carrying out
their roles efficiently and accurately.
Furthermore, adaptogenic herbs and
formulations appear to expand the range of
adaptability, thus increasing the amount
of stress an individual can sustain before
breaking down.
This adaptogenic quality is the basis of
the daoist concept of "radiant health,"
which is generally defined as "health
beyond danger." if one has increased
adaptive capacity, it is possible to
survive or even thrive under stressful
conditions that other: more common, less
well-nourished individuals might not.
When we have mastered the principle of yin
and yang, we have mastered the art of
living.
The whole article is published in
www.Fx120.Net/english/tcm/
