Yang deficiency constitution refers to a state where the body’s Yang energy is insufficient. Yang energy, akin to the sun, warms the body’s limbs and organs. When Yang energy is deficient, it manifests as a series of symptoms such as cold intolerance and cold extremities.
Characteristics of Yang Deficiency Constitution:
This constitution is primarily characterized by insufficient Yang energy and symptoms of coldness. It reflects a state where the body’s metabolic processes are sluggish.
Common Symptoms:
Individuals often appear plump, are sensitive to cold, have cold hands and feet, prefer warm foods and drinks, exhibit low energy, sleep excessively, have a pale complexion, pale lips, sweat easily, and experience loose stools and clear, frequent urination.
The most prominent feature of Yang deficiency is cold intolerance. Those with Yang deficiency are particularly sensitive to cold, especially in the back and abdomen. Some may also feel cold in the stomach, with symptoms that feel like touching ice. In cold seasons, especially winter, these symptoms become particularly pronounced, with cold sensations sometimes radiating from the hands and feet to the arms and knees.
During winter, many women report that even after a night’s sleep, their blankets remain cold, and their feet lack warmth. Some are afraid to sleep alone in winter, needing to hold a hot water bottle or use an electric blanket, which is a clear indication of Yang deficiency and cold intolerance.
Yang energy, akin to fire, is responsible for vaporizing water. When Yang is insufficient, there is not enough heat to vaporize water, leading to poor absorption by the body. Therefore, individuals with Yang deficiency often experience frequent urination, especially at night, with clear and copious urine. Some may need to urinate immediately after drinking water due to insufficient Yang energy to vaporize the water for bodily use.
Water that cannot be utilized by the body is considered waste and is expelled, resulting in frequent urination. This can also be observed in children who wet the bed, middle-aged individuals, and the elderly, or young people who frequently wake at night to urinate. This should prompt consideration of whether their Yang energy is deficient.
Yang deficiency is often discussed in relation to heart Yang deficiency, kidney Yang deficiency, and spleen Yang deficiency, indicating a close relationship between Yang deficiency and these three organs, which can exhibit corresponding symptoms.
Causes of Yang Deficiency Constitution
Firstly, there are congenital factors. The innate qualities given by parents are fixed and cannot be changed significantly. However, there is a saying that “congenital deficiencies can be supplemented by postnatal efforts,” meaning that even if the innate qualities are not optimal, one can improve them through lifestyle changes, diet, and habits, along with regular exercise and self-care.
Secondly, acquired factors are mainly related to poor lifestyle habits, bad habits, work environment, and other factors.
For example, living and working in a cold and damp environment can exacerbate Yang deficiency.
Chronic late nights can also worsen Yang deficiency, as the organs repair themselves during sleep. While Yang is nourished at night, it relies on the presence of Yin. If Yin is insufficient, Yang will also be reduced. Therefore, chronic late nights can harm Yang and exacerbate deficiency symptoms.
The third factor is improper medication. For instance, the misuse of antibiotics, hormonal medications, and excessive use of heat-clearing and detoxifying drugs can damage Yang energy and worsen Yang deficiency. Many children who have been given excessive hormones and antibiotics may present with heat symptoms, which are actually manifestations of severe Yang deficiency, where the heat is merely superficial.
The fourth factor is a preference for cold and raw foods, especially frozen items like ice cream, iced water, and various cold beverages. As living standards improve, people have more diverse food preferences, particularly children who enjoy cold treats. Consuming these cold items introduces strong cold energy into the stomach, which can damage the Yang energy of the spleen and stomach, reducing digestive and absorptive capacity, thus exacerbating Yang deficiency symptoms.
The fifth factor is air conditioning. Nowadays, air conditioning has become a significant cause of low immunity and reduced resistance. In hot regions, people may spend several months in air-conditioned environments, where the temperature is often set very low. Prolonged exposure to such environments can lead to a cold constitution, exacerbating Yang deficiency.
Lastly, emotional and psychological issues play a role. Modern life is filled with stress, and the impact of media and the internet can significantly affect people’s lives. Many individuals are restless and unable to calm down, leading to unstable emotions, feelings of low happiness, and dissatisfaction, which can also be a significant factor in exacerbating Yang deficiency symptoms.
How to Improve Yang Deficiency Constitution?
-
Reduce late nights; try to go to bed early and rise early;
-
Minimize the use of antibiotics and hormonal medications; avoid them when possible;
-
Limit the intake of cold and raw foods;
-
Avoid excessive air conditioning; if in a cold environment, wear a shawl and keep warm by dressing appropriately.
-
Self-regulate emotions; strive to maintain a pleasant and calm demeanor. Engage in hobbies and socialize with friends to better manage emotional well-being.
-
Exercise regularly. Choose low-intensity activities, as individuals with Yang deficiency typically have lower energy reserves. It is advisable to avoid intense or late-night workouts; gentle exercises like jogging, brisk walking, aerobics, and yoga are recommended.
Health is closely related to personal effort; the more we invest in our health, the more we will reap the benefits.Daily health maintenance is crucial. The first step is to change unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits, restoring a regular routine to lay a solid foundation for our health. Additionally, using appropriate food and herbal remedies for nourishment can greatly improve health.
Where we invest our time determines our results. The level of attention we give to our health and the effort we put in will dictate our future health status. Therefore, take charge of your health and make choices that enhance your well-being!
Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled from Teacher Liu Qiuhua’s public TCM lecture on “The Nine Major Constitutions of the Human Body: Yang Deficiency Constitution.” Learn TCM step by step, integrate TCM into daily life, and become your own private doctor.
For more exciting content, please click the text to visit.
1. What is Zhong Jie Fu Eight Treasure Cake?
2. Practical tips! Teach you to become an expert in tongue diagnosis.
3. A century of Zhong Jie Fu, let time witness its glorious history!
4. Zhong Jie Fu Bone Pain Patch reminds you: It’s time to promote circulation and protect your bones.
5. Practical tips | Zhong Jie Fu Slimming Patch’s ultimate weight loss guide!
6. Strengthening children’s spleen and stomach, regulating the Ren and Du meridians.
7. Focus on women’s health: Early menstruation and premature aging.
8. Why has Qianlong’s imperial cuisine Eight Treasure Cake been reported by CCTV four times?!
9. What does “heat above and cold below” mean?
Zhong Jie Fu, derived from the Book of Songs, “May you enjoy blessings and live forever,” was established in the 11th year of the Guangxu reign (1885) and was awarded the title of “Chinese Time-Honored Brand” by the Ministry of Commerce in 1988. The founder, Zhong Daosun, was a local TCM practitioner in Xitang, who studied under the famous Suzhou physician Ma Peilan and specialized in both surgery and internal medicine, with extensive research in traditional Chinese medicine. Over the past century, the pharmacy has adhered to the principle of “May the world be free of illness” and has maintained its reputation with a focus on a wide variety of high-quality, affordable products, developing pills, powders, pastes, and other forms suitable for various populations.
微店入口请点击：阅读原文