Written By: Dr. Jeanne Wilson 

Chinese Medicine is based on Daoist thought.  And Daoist thought is based on basic observations of nature.  In nature we find two major energy forms – that of Yin and Yang.  We see these forms expressed in electricity (positive and negative charges) in physiology and chemistry (male and female, acid and alkaline, electrons and protons) every facet of our universe is ruled by observable Yin and Yang energetic forces. 

In Chinese Medicine our bodies are a manifestation of the relationship of these two energies. The male energy, (Yang) and the female energy, (Yin) meet when the female egg is fertilized by the male sperm and the female body acts as a transformer to produce a new relationship of yin and yang energy – a “baby” yin/yang relationship!

When we talk about this Yin and Yang of reproductive health, we can say the Yin represents the substantive – blood, tissue and bone and is of the “Earth”. It is first derived genetically from our parents and then maintained and enhance by partaking of the earth through foods.  The yang is the male aspect, and is the functional, active part of the energy and can be describe as the hormonal part of the process and is of “Heaven” and taken in by the breath.  Our role in this reproductive process is that of a free flowing, enriched, well functioning conduit between these fluctuating energies of heaven and earth.  We are literally a conduit BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH.

Some identifiable characteristic of these two energies are:

Deficiency or imbalances in either of these energies can be identified by:

This relationship of yin and yang is not a static one. There is the continual cyclic fluctuation and transformation of yin into yang and yang into yin. These transformations and exchanges are to be kept within certain parameters called a state of “balance”. This relationship is comparable to Western homeostasis. Too much fluctuation in either direction can mean “trouble” in either medicine.

Optimal Reproductive Years

Chinese Medicine benchmarks women’s life cycles in 7 year increments. Men’s life cycles are in 8 year increments. For this discussion we will explore only female cycles. Remember these are cycles – one flows seamlessly into the other and are a natural occurrence within certain ranges and time periods. The cycle naturally moves from a balance of Yin and Yang with a Yang predominance (children are consider Yang) to Yin and then in later years back to Yang. However, extremes of lifestyle, food intake, and general healthcare can bring on extreme imbalances and or premature changes within these cycles.

Female Yin/Yang Cycles

1-7 yrs
Rich amount of Yin and Yang derived from parents with Yang Dominant Children are active, warm, and exhibit rapid growth. The can spike fevers fast and recover from illnesses fast - these are Yang characteristics.

7 – 14 Years
In this cycle Yang dominant energy peaks and begins to transform into Yin Puberty occurs and a young girl begins menarche (first period- remember blood is substance and Yin) she is not fully developed and still exhibits Yang characteristics such as low body fat and underdeveloped sex characteristics. There may also be irregular or periods or no periods.

14 – 21 Years
Yin preponderance the yin increases in this cycle and becomes predominant. The female child develops fully into a woman. This is the completion of transformation of yang into yin.

21 – 28 Years
MAXIMUM YIN—–MAXIMUM REPRODUCTIVE YEARS!!!! The blood and tissue are full and strong.

28 – 35 Years
Yin begins to diminish and slowly transform into Yang. These are the career years the yin begins to naturally deplete slowly allowing a slight preponderance of Yang – skin is less full- hair may begin slight graying – loss of hair. This is a very vulnerable time and subject to damage by excessive work and exercise and poor eating habits.

35 – 42 Years
Yang more predominant. This is the beginning loss of fluids and tissue -perhaps skin and vaginal dryness.

42 – 49 Years
Yang dominates Yin Energy level loss, teeth issues, and gynecological issues – peri-menopause symptoms. Beginning of heat (yang) signs – night sweats, sleep issues.

49 – 56 Years
Yang dominant Menopause- facial hair, loss of skin texture, thinning hair.

Written By: Dr. Jeanne Wilson