44. The Princeples of Oriental Medicine ： Yin and Yan 3

3. Yin and Yang in Equilibrium – Homeostasis

Yin and Yang are opposing concepts, yet they are inseparable and interdependent. In traditional Korean medicine, Jing (Essence) is a tangible fluid and belongs to Yin, while Qi (Vital Energy) is intangible but constantly circulates throughout the body and is classified as Yang. Jing and Qi, Qi and Blood, or Yin and Yang restrain and supplement each other as needed to maintain balance and sustain life. This is summarized as:
“Yin in balance and Yang secured, and the spirit is at peace” (陰平陽秘 精神乃治)—when Yin and Yang are balanced, both body and mind are healthy.

This principle parallels the biological concept of homeostasis, which refers to the body’s internal regulation in response to external environmental changes. It ensures that physiological functions remain stable to preserve life. Examples include body temperature regulation, blood pH, blood sugar levels, kidney osmoregulation, blood pressure and flow, hormonal control, and the autonomic nervous system.
Disease arises when this physiological balance is disturbed—essentially, a failure of homeostasis or a disorder of Yin and Yang (陰陽失調).
Treatment, then, is the process of restoring this balance, achieving what is called Yin-Ping-Yang-Bi (陰平陽秘).

For example, fever during a cold is the body’s immune response, raising temperature to fight invading pathogens—an effort to restore Yin-Yang balance. A mere 1°C increase in body temperature boosts immunity by 4 to 5 times.
Children with strong immune systems tend to have higher fevers when sick, while the elderly, with weaker immunity, may only have mild fevers.
When a dog is sick, it often refuses food and rests in a sunlit spot—an instinctive healing response.

Heart and small intestine cancers are rare, and one reason, according to traditional medicine, is that both organs belong to the Fire element and naturally possess more heat.
Simply avoiding cold food and keeping the body warm can support the body’s natural ability to return to optimal health—Yin and Yang in equilibrium (陰平陽秘).

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Dr. Jin-man Kim, director of Peace Oriental Clinic