Yin and Yang in Tai Chi and Chi Kung Practice

Principles of Yin and Yang

Understanding that Yin and Yang are two opposing principles in constant change is the basis for internalizing them in the practice of Tai Chi and Chi Kung. From the perspective of this philosophical principle, everything that exists is relative; therefore, there is Yin within Yang, just as there is Yang within Yin. Each of these forces contains its opposite, at least in potential, and therefore they are not absolute.

Both forces generate and consume one another: an increase in Yin energy implies a decrease in Yang energy. However, this is not considered an imbalance, but rather part of the vital process. They can be subdivided and transformed infinitely. Yang energy can divide to create both Yin and Yang energy (and vice versa).

Likewise, each of these forces can transform into its opposite. Yin and Yang are interdependent, meaning that one requires the other in order to exist. According to Taoism, Yin and Yang are present in all things and all beings. They are inseparable, yet distinct. This harmony between Yin and Yang indicates the existence of a path (the Tao) that is naturally followed in the universe and forms the fundamental basis of the practice of Tai Chi and Chi Kung.

Yin-yang in Tao

Within Taoism, life is lived without blocking the natural way of things. This means that what is should not be obstructed. Any action that goes against the Tao can affect the natural course that things follow.

The idea is to act in accordance with the Tao through Wu Wei, or “doing without doing.” In this way, people can act without obstructing the Tao, free from any expression of egocentrism. To visualize this, one can imagine a great river flowing toward the sea. If one were to swim across against the current—the natural flow of things (the Tao)—it would require a great expenditure of energy and involve significant risk. By contrast, following the flow of the river and gradually crossing while swimming with the current requires much less energy. This means allowing the river to be and acting through “non-action” (Wu Wei), thus preserving natural harmony.

What do Yin and Yang represent?

Within Taoism and classical Chinese thought, harmony between Yin and Yang represents the natural cyclical reality. For example, following the daily cycle, most activities that require a significant expenditure of energy take place during the day. This is when Yang manifests. At night, when sunlight diminishes and temperatures drop, activity also tends to decrease. This is the time when people rest in their homes, representing Yin.

have their roots in classical Chinese philosophy and Taoism. For this reason, their theoretical and practical foundations are based on the principle of complementarity between the opposing forces of Yin and Yang. qi (chi), the 'life force' that flows in the universe.

Yin/ Yang, Tai Chi and Chi Kung

Many of the practices of both Tai Chi and Chi Kung have their roots in classical Chinese philosophy and Taoism, so their theoretical and practical foundations are based on the principle of complementarity of the opposites yin/yang.

In our Tai Chi and Chi Kung classes , these philosophical principles are considered intrinsic to both disciplines and can be perceived, for example, in the shifts between emptiness (Yin) and fullness (Yang) that occur as weight oscillates from one leg to the other, as well as in the expression of expansion (Yang) and contraction (Yin).

Incorporating these fundamental principles of Tai Chi and Chi Kung practice is essential for understanding and developing the internal work proposed by these two disciplines. To this end, we carry out specific training through exercises that focus on perceiving these internal movements, which gradually and naturally express themselves in practice.