Functions of Yin and Yang


Yang functions

To warm:

Yang must be able to warm the body adequately, so that Yin does not cool the body too much. Every transformation involves the Yang function of warming the body.
E.g.: The Yang of the Kidney provides the required Heat for the entire metabolism.

To transform:

This function of Yang is necessary for every transformation on the physical or mental level.
E.g.: The Yang of the Spleen extracts the Food Qi (Gu-Qi) from the food. The Yang of the Spleen also "digests" daily impressions and experiences. The Qi (Yang) of the Lungs uses the Food Qi to produce Defense-Wei Qi and the Nutritive-Ying Qi.

To move:

Yang gives us the ability to move the body. The Yang's function of moving is the driving force for each movement in the universe.
E.g.: Yang moves Yin. Qi moves Blood. Without Yang, the body would be a lethargic mass (Yin). The Yang (Qi) of the Liver moves the Qi into all directions. The Yang of the Spleen moves the Food Qi (Gu-Qi) to the Lungs.

To protect:

E.g.: The Defense-Wei Qi protects the organism against the penetration of pathogenic factors.

To hold:

E.g.: The Yang of the Bladder holds the urine. The Yang of the Spleen holds the organs in place.


If Yang is weak, the Yang functions can not be maintained. As a result, Yin dominates in the body.