Ocean Therapy for Stress Relief: Balancing Yin + Yang Energy

Yin-Yang theory is a foundational concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine. As reflected in the well-known ☯︎ Taiji ☯︎ symbol, it teaches the importance of holding a dynamic balance between opposing forces in nature. Based on this philosophy, here’s why going to the ocean might help you feel more calm and grounded when you’re stressed.

1 — Yin and Yang

In broad terms, yin and yang can represent water and fire, respectively. This depiction brings an understanding of the differences between these two energies — one being fluid and downward flowing, and the other being expansive and upward rising. While this is a very general perspective of this deeply profound theory, it’s enough to suggest that feeling stressed is a yang or fire energy, while feeling calm and grounded is a yin or water energy.

2 — Balancing Opposing Forces

Within this framework, yin and yang are interconnected and always moving to maintain balance — it’s through that balance that harmony exists. When they’re out of balance, meaning that one is excess and the other is deficient, disharmony happens. In order to come back to a harmonious state, they need to adjust accordingly. So, if yang is in excess compared to yin and it manifests with symptoms of stress, then yin or water energy can help bring that yang or fire energy down and restore inner balance with its calming and grounding nature.

Whether you’re at the ocean or other body of water, take a moment to anchor your feet in the sand, breathe in deep, and let it all go.