Let’s begin with something easy: Are you constantly chilly? Or do you sweat like mad and heat up quickly even when it’s not really warm outside?

Many individuals are unaware that these tiny idiosyncrasies reveal much about what is happening inside them. In the Daoist healing arts, they’re signals rather than something random. They’re hints about your interior equilibrium, or more precisely, your lack of equilibrium.

One of the oldest and most straightforward methods to grasp how your body works is the Yin-Yang framework. Though ancient, it’s still among the most helpful tools for determining what the hell is happening with your health—especially when something feels amiss, but you can’t really identify it.

Yin and Yang: The Basics (No Philosophy Degree Required)

Fundamentally, yin and yang define two opposing yet related forces present in all things: hot and cold, light and dark, active and quiet, expanding and contracting.

Here are some common reflections of yin-yang, found in both nature and your body:

• Yang: Warmth, light, expanding, movement, function, action, exterior, metabolism, qi.
• Yin: Coolness, dark, contracting, stillness, form, rest, interior, storage, blood.

They’re meant to remain in dynamic balance, always shifting yet controlling one another. You begin to feel it when that equilibrium is disturbed—because of stress, emotions, diet, climate, aging, trauma, whatever.

Occasionally, it’s subtle. Other times, it hits like a freight train.

So… Are You More Yin or Yang Right Now?

Here is a fast self-check. Just you paying attention to you; no fancy tools.

Consider whether:

• Most of the time, especially in my hands and feet, I feel cold.
• Alternatively, do I run hot, flush quickly, despise warm places, and crave cold beverages?
• Am I more wired and agitated, or more sluggish and heavy?
• Do I prefer foods chilled or raw, or do I enjoy warm, comfortable meals?
• Am I light and restless, or deep and heavy in my sleep?
• Am I prone to sweating? Seldom? Not at all?

It’s not unusual to encounter conflicting symptoms. Look at the big picture and don’t get too sucked into the details for now. And remember, these responses are only data; they’re neither “good” or “bad.” Patterns provide information into which way your system is leaning.

What these Patterns Might Be Telling You

This is where it gets fascinating. Most individuals fit one of several typical patterns. Some crossover between patterns is not unusual. But for now try to see the big picture. What’s your predominant pattern?

Heat Patterns

Too Much Yang (Excess Heat):

• Overheating, flushed face, red eyes
• Restlessness, impatience, short temper
• Dry mouth, craving for cold drinks
• Sleep problems, particularly difficulty falling asleep
• Strong body odor or strong-smelling feces

Feels like: You’re feeling revved up, but also possibly like you’re burning out. You have fire, which is important, but it’s out of control.

Too Little Yin (Deficient Heat):

• Night sweats
• Dry mouth, dry skin, dry eyes
• Late afternoon or evening heat sensation
• Anxiety, mental overdrive, trouble sleeping
• Tired but have difficulty winding down

Feels like: You’re running on fumes. Your body lacks sufficient “coolant” to protect the engine from overheating.

Cold Patterns

Too Little Yang (Deficient Cold):

• Always cold, especially in the extremities
• Sluggishness, low energy
• Weak digestion, post-meal bloating
• Frequent urine or waking to pee at night
• Depression, apathy

Feels like: The fire’s out. You’re dragging and nothing seems to ignite vitality.

Too Much Yin (Excess Cold):

• Lethargy, heaviness
• Water retention, puffiness
• Loose stools
• Pale skin
• Emotional numbness or fogginess

Feels like: You’re emotionally and physically burdened. Inside, it’s chilly and wet.

Why This Stuff Matters

Knowing whether you’re more yin or more yang alters your self-care approach.

A raw kale smoothie or ice water may not be appropriate if you are chilly and lethargic. You may require extra rest, mild activity, and warming meals.

On the other hand, you’re probably not helping the situation with a sweaty cardio session or spicy meals if you’re hot, restless, and irritable. You may require calm time away from stimulation, a focus on breathwork, and cooling foods.

This is about adjusting your inputs to balance your present condition. We’re not labeling or diagnosing. Daoist healing is fluid in that way. You don’t treat what you are; you treat what you’re doing too much of or not enough of.

Try This: A 2-Minute Yin-Yang Check-In

• Sit quietly for one minute. Shut your eyes. Breathe deeply a few times.
• Observe your body temperature; are you warm? Chilly? Impartial?
• Pay attention to your energy level; are you wired, fatigued, calm, restless?
• Consider your emotional tone: snappy, numb, melancholy, centered?
• Consider: Am I more yin or more yang today?

That’s all. Easy. Simple. But daily practice will help you to notice trends that enable all the other things—diet, exercise, sleep, feelings—to make more sense.

Final Thought: It’s Not a Test, It’s a Conversation

Self-assessment is not about diagnosing oneself or correcting problems. It’s about being mindful and cooperating with your system rather than fighting it.

You don’t have to solve everything now. Simply begin to listen. Your body has been speaking for quite some time.

So, are you presently running hot or cold? And what could your body be requesting?

Next: We’ll examine how the Five Elements go much deeper—indicating not only if you’re hot or cold but also where that imbalance resides in your system.