Yin is difficult to define without Yang, since these two qualities are defined by complementarity. The famous tai chi sign clearly illustrates this close interweaving of yin and yang. Originating in the Chinese philosophy of Taoism, this symbol represents a model of all the phenomena of creation, explaining both the complementary nature of the forces involved, and their capacity for adaptation and transformation. Yin and Yang are thus inseparable from life in general, and movement in particular.
Yin, represented in black, is a quality that can take many forms. It is the emblem of the Earth, femininity, receptivity, materiality, cold, density (heaviness)…
Yang, on the other hand, represented in white (or red), is the emblem of Heaven, masculinity, action, immateriality, warmth, lightness….
According to Taoist philosophy, yin and yang complement each other: as yang increases, yin decreases, and vice versa. And the points present in each of the opposites – white point (Yang) in Yin and black point (Yin) in Yang, means that each carries the complementary quality.
This model is used in TCM – along with that of the five elements – to identify and treat any energy imbalances that may be the source of pathologies.