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Before you take our Yin Yang test, let’s clarify the concept of Yin and Yang first. A lot has been said about Yin and Yang, but at their very core these two terms are used to describe two opposites that complete each other. You may have heard of Yin being feminine and Yang being masculine, but although they are often used in this meaning, it doesn’t necessarily have to mean that. Yin and Yang are also used to describe the contrast between darkness and light, night and day, water and fire, cold and hot, passive and active, introversion and extroversion, and so on. In the context of this test, the meaning of Yin and Yang is adopted from Chinese traditional medicine. To be more precise, we will use it to refer to a set of psychological characteristics that describe one’s character and typical behavior.
In Chinese traditional medicine Yin is cold and Yang is hot. Some people have naturally more Yin while some others have more Yang. Speaking about masculine and feminine, there are women with more Yang in them just like there are men with more Yin in them. A man who is predominantly Yin is not less of a man than someone who is predominantly Yang (Yang male) – they are just different. Similarly, a Yang female is not less of a woman than a Yin female.
When applied to people, Yin and Yang are associated with certain physical and psychological characteristics. This concept is very similar to hot and cold temperaments typology in Greek and Arabic medicine. Sanguine and Choleric are both hot, hence they could be classified as Yang types. Phlegmatic and Melancholic are both cold, so they would be considered Yin types.
In addition, the idea of Yin and Yang or hot and cold types is observed in Korean Sasang medicine (Sasang means “Four Types”). Korean four body types correlate closely with Graeco-Arabic types as follows:
Yang Types
Soyang type → Choleric
Teiyang type → Sanguine
Yin Types
Teieum → Phlegmatic
Soeum → Melancholic
Similarly, the four types in Sasang do not just describe body types but personality types (or psychological types) as well.
Although Western world seems to favor active and ambitious Yang types, there is a growing appreciation for relaxed and peaceful Yin types as well. Another important note is that while most people are inclined one way or another, it is balance between the two that is considered to be ideal. Some people, Yang types in particular, tend to like themselves and are reluctant to change, however it is recommended to balance excess heat (Yang) with Yin foods and activities. Similarly, individuals with excess Yin (cold) are suggested to balance their bodies and temperaments with Yang type activities and Yang foods. Having said that, this quiz is provided for educational proposes only and is not suitable for drawing medical conclusions regarding your type.
How often do you consume coffee, sports drinks and other stimulants?
more than twice a day
once or twice daily
not every day
rarely
never
Generally, do you enjoy being around other people?
absolutely — I can’t stand being alone
most of the time
it depends
I need some time alone every day
I am the happiest when alone
Do you enjoy cold weather?
I love cold and really dislike heat
most of the time
it doesn’t bother me
I prefer warm climates
I absolutely dislike cold weather
Do you find it hard to stay idle?
agree
agree slightly
neutral
disagree slightly
disagree
How often do you get headaches?
always
often
occasionally
rarely
never
Would you describe yourself as a go-getter?
absolutely
probably yes
not sure
probably not
definitely not
Do you have difficulties falling asleep?
always
often
occasionally
rarely
never
Do you have a tendency to feel restless?
agree
agree slightly
neutral
disagree slightly
disagree
Are you physically active (hours of vigorous physical activity per week)?
very active (more than 9 hours per week)
active (6-9 hours per week)
moderately active (3-6 hours per week)
lightly active (2-3 hours per week)
sedentary (less than 2 hours per week)
Do you get angry easily?
definitely yes
probably yes
not sure
probably not
definitely not
Your result will appear here.
Yin Energy, Foods and Activities
If you are predominantly yin, you have more yin characteristics such as wisdom, imagination, peacefulness, relaxation, and satisfaction. Unlike Yang types, you are able to fully relax and go with the flow of life without worrying about your future. People often favor forceful Yang energy and consider Yin energy slow and boring, but Yin persistence can sometimes give even greater results than impatient and aggressive energy of Yang types.
It is possible to have too much Yin energy, and in that case, there will be some negative symptoms as well:
- oversleeping,
- overthinking,
- slow thinking,
- sluggishness,
- laziness,
- compulsive behavior,
- lack of motivation,
- apathy,
- overeating,
- weight gain.
People with excess Yin are thought to benefit from Yang type activities and foods. Yang activities include
- cardio such as jogging, running, biking, swimming,
- dancing (fast),
- hiking,
- wrestling,
- anything adventure,
- goal setting,
- work commitments.
Yang foods include
- spices,
- chicken,
- lamb,
- coffee,
- onion and garlic,
- pumpkin.
In addition, people with excess Yin are suggested to reduce consumption of Yin foods (see below).
Yang Energy, Foods and Activities
Yang personality type is characterized by action, ambition, courage, extroversion, excitement, and adventurousness. Because Yang people are go-getters who want things done and done quickly, they are often wealthy and well-connected. It is possible to have too much Yang too, and when that happens, following negative signs and symptoms occur:
- anger,
- restlessness,
- frustration,
- violence,
- inability to relax and let go,
- regular headaches,
- insomnia,
- can’t sit still,
- addictions,
- need for constant stimulation.
Excess Yang is regulated by reducing consumption of Yang foods (see above) and eating more Yin foods such as
- cow milk,
- cow cheese,
- raw vegetables (lettuce and cucumber in particular),
- yogurt,
- fish,
- beef.
In addition, Yin activities will be suggested such as
- yoga,
- qi gong,
- tai chi,
- stretching,
- weight lifting,
- golf,
- slow walking,
- fishing.
You may also like Blood Type Personality Traits in Asia, Japanese Love and Personality Test (based on digit ratio theory) and Four Temperaments.