Yin & Yang
Energy in the Universe is manifested by two opposite, yet complimentary forces called Yin and Yang. The concept of these two predominant forces in Nature holds its roots in Ancient Chinese religion and philosophy. In macrobiotic practice we use the same concept of Yin and Yang to observe, differentiate, and assess which force, or energy is more dominant. Most importantly, macrobiotics teaches us how to use and balance these two energies to achieve health, happiness, and longevity.
As the day turns into night and summers into winters, yin and yang energies are always present in our lives and in our bodies. Yin is an expansive or dispersing force associated with cold, darkness, and resting, while yang, a contractive or gathering force is associated with heat, light, and activity. Yin and yang energies coexist in everything around us and in our bodies. In Nature, they change, grow, and dominate depending on times of the day and seasons of the year. Living in harmony with Nature, understanding and embracing it’s laws, we balance ourselves.
To live in balance is to understand that yin and yang energies are present in all living things, including the food we eat. Each type of food, contains a different amount of yin and yang energy. When we consume yin foods we support the flow of yin, expansive energy in our body. Consuming yang foods, on the other hand, will increase the contractive, gathering energy in our body. By balancing the food we eat, we balance our bodies.
But not all foods are simply yin or yang. Some are more extreme than others. Simple sugar, alcohol, and dairy are examples of extremely yin foods while meat and eggs are extremely yang foods. If eaten on regular basis they create imbalances which eventually lead to body breaking down with illness.
Whole grains, beans, vegetables, sea vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fruit are all examples of foods that are closer to the middle of a yin and yang energy spectrum. When properly combined into balanced meals they consequently nourish and create balance in our bodies.
Macrobiotic nutrition is based on eating foods in accordance with yin and yang energetic principals. It looks at energetic properties of individual ingredients, selects appropriate combinations which become balanced meals to nourish and even heal our bodies.
