Yin/yang is not one single axis. In practice it’s a collection of paired contrasts. This page is for vocabulary, not diagnosis.
| Axis | Yin side | Yang side |
|---|---|---|
| Hot vs Cold | Cold (yin) | Heat (yang) |
| Excess vs Deficiency | Deficiency (often yin/qi/blood patterns) | Excess (often stagnation/phlegm/heat patterns) |
| Exterior vs Interior | Interior (deeper) | Exterior (surface) |
How to explain this to Western readers
- Use “pattern” language: clusters of signs/symptoms, not a single lab value.
- Translate carefully: “heat” can mean inflammation-like sensations, irritability, thirst, etc.
- Always add a safety line: it’s educational, not medical advice.