How Traditional Korean Medicine Views Men and Women: Yang and Yin

Men and women are different. There is likely no one who would disagree with this statement. But how exactly are they different? That is a question fewer people may feel confident answering. Asking why men and women are different is an even more difficult question—one that perhaps only philosophers might dare to answer.

In the ancient text I Ching (Book of Changes, 주역, 周易), we find a systematic explanation of the concept of Yin and Yang (음양 陰陽). From the undivided state of the Taegeuk (the Supreme Ultimate, 태극, 太極) a division occurs into Yin and Yang. These two fundamental forces then further divide into the Four Symbols(사상, 四象)—Greater Yin (Taeeum, 태음, 太陰), Lesser Yin (Soeum, 소음,少陰), Greater Yang (Taeyang, 태양, 太陽), and Lesser Yang (Soyang, 소양, 少陽). These Four Symbols eventually develop into the Eight Trigrams, or Palgwae (팔괘, 八卦), forming the basis for understanding change and balance in nature and human life.

Taegeuk(太極) refers to the undifferentiated, unified state before distinctions arise—a state of harmonious potential. When the principle of Yin and Yang (陰陽) is applied to this state, the dual properties begin to emerge.

Yin is characterized by qualities that are more passive, flexible, dark, and inward-moving when compared to Yang. It is associated with stillness, softness, and contraction—an essential counterpart in the dynamic balance of all things. When we look at the natural world, we can say that the sky represents Yang (陽), while the earth represents Yin (陰).

All things can be understood in terms of their essence and their function—their che (體, substance) and yong (用, function), respectively. These two aspects are often in contrast with one another. The che represents the internal, structural nature of a thing, while the yong refers to the way that essence manifests or acts outwardly. Like Yin and Yang, che and yong are interdependent and mutually defining.

For example, a man may appear physically solid and strong—his external che (體) is firm and robust. Yet internally, he tends to be more flexible, even fragile in certain ways, and he is often characterized by an outward-oriented, restless energy that resists settling down.

In contrast, a woman’s che may seem softer, more delicate, and pliable on the outside. But her yong (用)—her functional expression—is often resilient, enduring, and marked by a capacity to preserve, protect, and sustain.

The sages of old explained the laws of nature—its cycles of creation and dissolution—using the foundational numbers from 1 to 10. Interestingly, the che and yong of men and women can also be interpreted through numbers.

In the system of Yin and Yang, the numbers 2 and 3 hold particular significance. The number 2, being even, represents balance, stability, and the grounded, static nature of Yin. On the other hand, the number 3, an odd number, reflects continuous change, movement, and the dynamic quality of Yang.

The number 7 is associated with Soeum (少陰) and thus linked to women, while the number 8 corresponds to Soyang (少陽) and is connected to men. This interpretation draws upon the Palgwae (八卦) from the I Ching (周易).

Men are associated with the Li trigram (離卦), which consists of two Yang (陽) lines and one Yin (陰) line. Adding their numerical values—3 + 3 + 2—results in 8. Women, on the other hand, are associated with the Gam trigram (坎卦), which corresponds to the number 7.

Looking at the male and female bodies, men have a well-developed head, a flat chest, and a protruding “gochu” (penis), which corresponds to a pattern of Yang, Yin, and Yang. Numerically, this is expressed as 3 + 2 + 3, totaling 8. Within this number lies a profound secret of the male body.

Similarly, in women, the chest is more developed than the head (not implying intellectual capacity), and the reproductive organs are recessed rather than protruding. This pattern is Yin, Yang, and Yin—2 + 3 + 2—, which corresponds to the number 7.

These principles also apply to the growth and development of men and women.

Female Development:

• Age 7: Kidney energy rises; adult teeth emerge, hair grows

• 14: Menstruation begins, and fertility starts

• 21: Wisdom teeth appear; body reaches balance

• 28: Muscles and bones strengthen, hair thickens

• 35: Aging signs begin—facial fatigue, thinning hair

• 42: Visible aging; hair turns white

• 49: Menopause; fertility ends, body transforms

  
  

Male Development:

• Age 8: Kidney energy grows; new teeth, longer hair

• 16: Reproductive energy (jeong-gi) activates

• 24: Wisdom teeth, strong bones, and muscles

• 32: Peak physical form

• 40: Energy starts to decline; hair loss begins

• 48: Visible aging; white hair appears

• 56: Liver weakens; energy and movement decline

• 64: Teeth and hair fall out more noticeably

It is remarkable that the descriptions of male and female physical changes recorded thousands of years ago still hold true today. This speaks to the presence of an unchanging truth that transcends time. It is our responsibility, as future generations, to continue researching and deepening our understanding of these principles, so that we may establish a higher-level system of knowledge and wisdom.

Photo by Rishabh Dharmani on Unsplash