Photo on left from Adobe Stock via https://stock.adobe.com/my/images/busy-woman-is-in-a-hurry-she-does-not-have-time-she-is-going-to-eat-snack-outdoors/172080889?asset_id=172121864 Photos on right from Freepik via https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/asian-young-mother-sitting-wooden-bridge-enjoy-playing-with-two-little-daughters-student-uniform-with-banana-leaf-copy-space-rural-lifestyle-concept_22818990.htm
In our previous article "Urban vs. Rural: Exploring the Link Between Urbanisation and Mental Health Issues in Malaysia”, we have explored the intricate relationship between urbanisation and mental health challenges. Our exploration shed light on the higher prevalence of mental health issues among individuals residing in urban areas compared to their rural counterparts due to the significant shifts from traditional communal structures to individualistic lifestyles. The rise of individualism and the erosion of collective unity have become apparent, leaving a profound impact on the well-being of our society.
In this article, we will delve into another significant aspect of mental health—the impact of Yin and Yang lifestyle on overall well-being and examine how the modern lifestyle, which often leans heavily towards the Yang characteristics due to societal pressures and expectations affects mental health.
The Concept of Yin and Yang Balance
According to ancient Chinese philosophy, “Qi”, which is the life-force energy, is the fundamental energy that provides life to all things, including human beings. Yin and Yang energies are two complementary and interdependent energies that form the basis of all life. In other words, Yin and Yang are two interconnected halves that together make up the entirety of Qi.
Everything in the universe contains both Yin and Yang energies, and the balance between these two energies is crucial for maintaining health and harmony in our lives. Yin energy (cool) can be described as relaxation, rest, sense of contentment and spirituality, while Yang energy (hot) can be described as fast-moving, busy, assertive and active.
The concept of Yin and Yang balance in traditional Chinese medicine can be understood in Western medicine terms as the balance of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is part of the entire nervous system which controls many organ and bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, respiration, and sexual arousal. The ANS is made up of two parts: the sympathetic (Yang) and parasympathetic (Yin) nervous systems, which must be in balance for overall ANS equilibrium and good health.
When stress occurs, our sympathetic nervous system (the Yang part) is activated, causing the body to respond with a "flight or fight" response. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system (the Yin part) regulates our "rest and digest" or "feed and breed" functions. Prolonged periods of stress can lead to an overstimulation of the Yang energy, causing the body to become hyper-sympathetic and leading to imbalance of our 4 bodies (i.e. physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies). This is because the body spends too little time in the parasympathetic state, which is necessary for healing, rejuvenation, and nourishment. Over time, if the Yang energy dominates for too long, symptoms of "Yin deficiency" may appear, such as insomnia, muscle tension, anxiety, depression and other diseases. Therefore, a balanced ANS is essential for good health as it allows both Yin and Yang energies to function in harmony, resulting in a healthier well-being.
The Link Between Yin and Yang Living and Mental Well-being
Based on the Yin and Yang theory, the lifestyle of individuals residing in urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Johor is associated with a Yang way of living, a life that is active, competitive, and focused on external achievements such as wealth, power, and status; while the lifestyle of individuals residing in Kelantan is associated with a Yin way of living, a life that is slow-paced and emphasizes stillness in the midst of a chaotic world.
In today’s modern world, a Yang life can be seen in the pressure to constantly achieve and succeed, the emphasis on competition and individualism, and the glorification of busyness and productivity. Many people feel compelled to pursue material success and the need to constantly push themselves to do more, be more, and have more, often at the expense of their physical, emotional and mental well-being. The fast-paced and technologically-driven nature of modern society contributes to the perpetuation of a Yang life, where people are always connected and plugged in, and there is little to no time for rest and recuperation.
As opposed to Yang living, a Yin way of living emphasizes the importance of stillness and inner peace in one's life to cultivate a deep connection with oneself and the world around them. In terms of spiritual aspect, Yin energy encourages individuals to surrender the need for control and can help individuals connect with their inner selves and their spiritual nature.
As we live in a highly Yang world and society, balancing it out with some Yin energy is important as it helps put us back into alignment. The Yin energy such as rest and stillness are essential for keeping our 4 bodies balanced if we live in constant Yang lifestyle. This is because a prolonged Yang way of living can have a detrimental impact on our well-being, leading to feelings of exhaustion, stress, anxiety, burnout and depression.
As such, we need balance. We need to balance external achievements on one side and spiritual cultivation of peace and mindfulness on the other. With a balance of Yin-Yang energies, we can cultivate both our inner and outer worlds, achieving a sense of wholeness and completeness in our lives. We are able to pursue our goals and aspirations without sacrificing our physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and are able to connect with ourselves and others in a meaningful way.
Photo from Freepik via https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/full-shot-woman-with-laptop-meditating_13130779.htm#query=balance%20lifestyle&position=32&from_view=search&track=ais
Final words
As urbanisation continues to shape the landscape of our society, the Yin and Yang balance theory explains that the lifestyle of individuals residing in urban areas is associated with a Yang way of living, a life that is active, competitive, and focused on external achievements. A balance of Yin and Yang energies is essential for helping individuals to find a sense of inner peace, contentment, and satisfaction in their lives. When our Qi is balanced between Yin and Yang energies, it flows smoothly, thereby promoting a good state of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.
However, it is crucial to remember that the only way to overcome these issues and challenges is through cultivation, that is, by aligning to our Prime Creator to restore our original blueprint by fully expressing the three guiding principles of Love, Truth and Selflessness in our daily lives. The conventional ways of solving mental health problems are at symptomatic level and would cause further loss of energy. It is only through CLT system, one can build up the energy levels to rebalance the Yin and Yang energies. In short, CLT is a system to mitigate further depletion of energy, replenish the shortfall of energy and by identifying root cause of depletion of energy and start conserving and building energy. It is a system of transmitting the Laws of the Universe so all could live harmoniously. To find out and learn more about CLT system, please reach out to the team at HG Academy or click here (https://www.heavensgift.org/) for further information.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: This article is intended exclusively for informational and educational purposes, and not for medical advice or instruction. It is based on data collected from our healing and profiling experiences, observations, inference, positive feedback received, and extensive research. Any recommendation given in this article is designed to meet the needs of a particular person given his/her health/energetic condition and circumstances. We shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this article.
_________________________________________________________________________________
References
Zagkorontskagia, E. (n.d.). The Importance of Yin and Yang Balance in Mind and Body. Chenot. https://www.chenot.com/blog/the-importance-of-yin-yang-balance-in-mind-and-body/