I’ve seen the symbol for Yin and Yang many times, but never understood what it represented beyond light and dark, male and female, strength and passivity. I was surprised to find a detailed explanation of Yin and Yang in body functions in a scientific article about chronic inflammation.
During the Yin phase, natural cell death, or apoptosis, is promoted. Growth of various tissues is slowed, inflammation is promoted and potential tumor growth would be blocked.
During the Yang phase healing of wounds is promoted, growth is stimulated, and anti-inflammatory mediators are produced, but there is a tendency toward tumorigenesis, or the growth of new tumors.
As with other Yin and Yang interpretations, the need for balance between the two opposing elements is important.
Acute inflammation, the type that occurs in response to injury or acute illness, is considered a “friend” that protects the body against harmful elements. However, chronic or persistent inflammation becomes a “foe” that eventually destroys tissue integrity and function. The immune system uses inflammation to stimulate its protective actions but this function needs to be self-terminating... stimulating acute Yin inflammation when necessary to kill off foreign invaders such as bacteria and reverting to the Yang anti-inflammatory growth and repair phase when the threat is gone.
The ability of our immune system to protect us from disease is affected by the amount of oxidative stress (quantity of damaging free radicals versus protective antioxidants) in our system, immunosenescence (the gradual deterioration of the immune system that occurs with age) and altered function of various hormones (the stress hormone, cortisol, as well as estrogen, progesterone, androgens, insulin, and thyroid).
Here are some simple ways to address each of these factors:
Oxidative stress – increase the amount of colored fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate intake of antioxidants.
Brightly coloured foods are known to contain these beneficial substances, and including five different colours on your plate is an easy way to increase intake of antioxidants.
Immunosenescence – ensure optimal bacterial flora in the digestive system.
Substances that control the amount and type of inflammation in the body are largely produced in the gut, and are controlled by the type of bacteria that resides there. Eating more fermented food, such as yogurt and sauerkraut, or taking a probiotic supplement, introduces good bacteria to the digestive system, and is especially important after taking antibiotics.
Altered hormone function - reduce stress, and change response to stress.
Stress hormones, Including cortisol, are an important anti-inflammatory factor. However, cortisol also increases blood sugar levels. While this function is important for the “fight or flight” response, with chronic stress cortisol tends to cause unhealthy weight gain around the waist. Increased levels of cortisol can also interfere with the function of reproductive hormones that are similar in structure (estrogen, progesterone and androgens) giving the effect of a lack of hormone even if levels are normal.
While it maybe difficult to avoid stress, you can change your response to stress. Simply pausing to do a few deep breaths, and thinking positive thoughts can induce a relaxation response, and reduce chronic production of cortisol.
Work to keep a positive outlook – look for the good side of every situation!
Even low-level ongoing inflammation has been associated with many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, arthritis, and dementias. Working to keep your Yin and Yang balanced, and your immune system functioning properly, may be the ideal approach to preventing chronic disease.
Reference: Inflammation, Chronic Diseases and Cancer-Cell and Molecular Biology, Immunology and Clinical Bases, Mahin Khatami. Intechweb.org
