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Yin and Yang

Yin and Yang are the two opposing forces that are at the heart of everything in the universe. These are not static concepts, but are purely relative. A lit stove is hotter, and therefore more yang than an ice cube, which is relatively yin. However, a lit stovetop is yin relative to the sun. Neither Yin nor Yang is "better." Optimum health is achieved as a balance of both of these. The following table refers to some basic Yin and Yang categorizations:

Chinese Medicine describes the following five interactions between yin and yang:

Opposition- This is exemplified by the chart, all things have Yin and Yang aspects.
Interdependence- Yin and Yang cannot exist independently of one another. For example without structure (Yin) the function (Yang) could not perform.
Interconsuming- Yin and Yang are in a constant state of change to preserve balance. For example when it is cold outside (a Yin state) the body starts to tremble (a Yang activity).
Intertransformation- Yin and Yang can change into one another. For example, excessive work (Yang) without rest induces extreme deficiency (Yin) of the body's energies.
Further Division- Yin and Yang aspects can be further divided into Yin and Yang. For example Temperature can be divided into cold (Yin) and hot (Yang), but cold can be divided further into icy cold (Yin) and moderately cold (Yang).