What is the primary function of "Yin" in TCM?

The primary function of "Yin" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is to cool and nourish. Yin represents the fundamental and essential aspects of substance that provide support, moisture, and nourishment within the body. It encompasses the qualities of coolness, darkness, and rest, balancing the dynamic of "Yang," which is associated with warmth, activity, and energy.

Yin is crucial for the maintenance of health as it nourishes the bodily organs, fluids, and tissues. A deficiency in Yin can lead to symptoms associated with heat, dryness, or overactivity, as it fails to adequately cool and moisten the body processes. This highlights the vital role that Yin plays in maintaining homeostasis and supporting overall bodily functions.

While other functions mentioned might interrelate with the concept of Yin, such as promoting fluid balance (which can indirectly support circulation), the core characteristic of Yin remains its nourishing and cooling qualities, solidifying its significance within TCM as the counterbalance to the more active and dynamic Yang.