In the last blog post, I discussed the basics of Yin and Yang and the role Yin and Yang activities play in our daily lives and in the optimal functioning of our bodies. Today I want to apply the concepts of Yin and Yang to the two major hormonal players in our endocrine system.
While the endocrine (hormonal) system is a complicated and complex system of tissues, chemicals and functions, understanding it need not be complicated. We can easily get overwhelmed trying to understanding each of the distinct hormones and how they functions independently and interdependently to regulate the various systems of the body and maintain homeostasis, or balance throughout the body. However, the overwhelm inherent in attempting to understand it all can be paralyzing, leaving us no better than when we started. I’m offering this simple conceptualization so that we can actually make meaningful changes that can help us achieve hormone balance and consequently better overall health, eliminating any symptoms you may be currently experiencing as a result of hormone imbalance and dysfunction.
As we discussed, Yin is nourishing, calming, restorative. It is associated with form, including, moisture, lubrication, and blood.
Yang, on the other hand, is activating, stimulating and energizing. It is associated with function, including activation of hormonal responses.
Sex hormones are Yin.
They provide nourishment to the uterine lining and ovaries. They keep us juicy and lubricated. They also help buffer the overstimulating effects of stress.
Stress hormones are Yang.
They provide us with energy and activate an efficient response to stressful situations. They stimulate the functions necessary for survival.
Because stress hormones are responsible for our survival, the production of stress hormones, like cortisol, are prioritized over sex hormones, when stress is present. Under chronic stress, our bodies continually demand the production of stress hormones at the expense of sex hormones. Thus the imbalance of Yin and Yang ensues, reflected in hormonal imbalances. Without sufficient Yin, or sex hormones, the body loses its ability to nourish the ovaries and uterus, produce fertile cervical fluid, and even the ability to release an egg (a process triggered by sex hormones).
Fortunately, the body’s natural inculcation is towards balance so it is eager to assist in restoring it. But once it’s out of balance it often needs a nudge. Acupuncture can be that nudge but so can lifestyle modification.
If stress (Yang) is in excess, you will likely need to 1. Eliminate sources of stress (Yang) and 2. Incorporate more restorative (Yin) practices.
For a refresher from last week’s blog:
Yin activities include:
Meditation
Rest
Reading
Breath work
stretching
Massage
Acupuncture
Qi gong and Tai Chi
Yin Yoga or Restorative Yoga
Sleep
Prioritize yourself
Nourishing foods
Being outside in nature
Yang activities include:
Stimulating exercise (running, spinning, biking, HIIT, strength training)*
Work (especially overworking)
Taking Care of Others
Overthinking/Worrying
Spicy and invigorating foods
Other people’s stress/problems
Technology
*Overly stimulating physical activities can imitate the stress response in the body, and therefore may need to be modified if you’re already excessively yang/stressed