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 All things have a Yin and Yang aspect represented here by the light (Yang) and dark (Yin) areas. They are in balance, by this balance is fluid and changing - a dynamic equilibrium between the light and dark, and interplay and exchange rather than a rigid, fixed, static quantity. The small black circle within the light area, and the white circle within the black demonstrate that nothing is pure Yin or Yang and everything can be further divided intoYin or Yang aspects. This explains the endless variety of all life, the uniqueness of each individual. This understanding of individuals variations is crucial to acupuncture diagnosis and treatment.
In modern scientific terms, a parallel can be made with genetics where the mother's (Yin) chromosomes combine with the father's (Yang) chromosomes to produce a unique combination in the child.
The symbol also demonstrates the interdependence of Yin and Yang. The light grows out of the dark, and the dark grows out of the light.
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Yang has it s root in Yin
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Yin has its root in Yang
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Without Yin, Yang cannot arise
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Without Yang, Yin cannot be born
- Yin alone cannot arise; Yang alone cannot grow .
- Yin and Yang are divisible but inseparable
This is the principle of mutual support which can be seen in any relationship. Mutual support is the complemented by mutual control. There is a counterbalancing of Yin with Yang, and vice versa, a natural tendency to bring things back to a norm. Western medicine would call this homeostasis.
At the height of Yang, Yin appears; when Yin is at its greatest, it transforms into Yang. This transforming of each into its opposite is constantly seen in health crises - for example when a high fever 'breaks' into chills a sweating. There are well known cycles of a similar nature in cases of depression, where the patient swings from apathy and indifference to a dangerously false 'high' or mania.
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According to the classical doctrines of Chinese medicine, health is achieved through the harmonious balance between the opposing forces of Yin and Yang. The attraction between Yin and Yang creates a vital energy known as Qi (pronounced "chee") or "Chi" which flows to all parts of the body through 14 channels called meridians. 
