The concept of Yin and Yang[1] has penetrated into every aspect of Chinese cultures. When you speak to a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, he will tell you the importance of Yin and Yang concept. He will explain that the imbalance of Yin and Yang is the root cause of your sickness.

If you are running a fever, that is the effect of too much Yang element in your body, he will give herbs that are Yin in nature, to balance the Yin and Yang in your body.

When you admire the architectural of ancient buildings in China, the concept of Yin and Yang is apparent in the design.

When you learn Chinese martial arts, the instructor will explain the terms in Yin and Yang.

The concept of Yin and Yang tells us that there is no absolute in everything, and everything moves in cycle. When the economy peaks, the recession will follow. When the recession bottoms out, economic boom will follow. When the day is at the hottest, it will cool down.

Yin defines softness, feminine characteristics. Yang defines hardness, and masculine characteristics.

The application of Yin and Yang as follows:

The moon is Yin, and the sun is Yang, since the moonlight is mild and the sunlight is powerful.

Darkness is Yin, and light is Yang.

Winter is Yin, and summer is Yang.

North is Yin, and South is Yang.

Even number is Yin, and odd number is Yang.

Slow is Yin, and fast is Yang.

Inner feelings is Yin, and outward appearance is Yang.

Female is Yin, and male is Yang.

A gentle smile is Yin, and roaring laughter is Yang.

Cold is Yin, and hot is Yang.

Sadness is Yin, and happiness is Yang.

In Chinese literature, the use of Yin and Yang to describe personality is common. Those who backstab others are Yin people (cunning and sly). Those who scold you in front of others are Yang people (forthright and hot-tempered).

When you persuade someone to do something, you are making use of Yin action. When you point a gun at someone, and command him to do something, you are taking Yang action.

When you are talking a slow stroll round the lake, you are taking Yin action. When you are rushing to get into the departing train, you are taking Yang action.

The study of Feng Shui is about Yin and Yang, plus the five elements, namely, fire, wood, metal, water, and earth.

The light from the candle is Yin Fire, and the light from the roaring forest fire is Yang Fire.

The slow and meandering stream is Yin Water, and the thundering waterfall is Yang Water.

So folks, how can you incorporate the usage of Yin and Yang in your daily activity? Instead of asking head or tail after you toss a coin, you can ask yin or yang, and watch your friends scratching their heads.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yin_and_yang