Warming Yang, Strengthening Yang, Unblocking Yang, Elevating Yang, and Returning Yang are all methods for regulating Yang Qi. What are the differences between them, and how can they be distinguished?
According to the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon): “Yang Qi is like the sun in the sky; if it loses its place, it will shorten life and not shine.”
This means that Yang Qi is crucial for our bodies; if it is lost, a person’s lifespan will decrease, and life functions cannot be performed well.
Yang Qi is vital for our health.
In TCM treatment, there are five methods to regulate Yang Qi: Warming Yang, Strengthening Yang, Unblocking Yang, Elevating Yang, and Returning Yang.
What do these five methods entail? Today, we will discuss them in detail to help you regulate Yang Qi according to your condition.
First, let’s talk about Warming Yang.
Warming Yang specifically treats Yang deficiency syndrome by using mild herbs to replenish Yang Qi, such as Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche), Suo Yang (Cynomorium), and Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta).
These herbs are warm but not drying, replenishing Yang without easily causing heat, making them suitable for patients with mild Yang deficiency.
Strengthening Yang is essentially the same as Warming Yang, but it is more intense.
Strengthening Yang is generally suitable for patients with more severe Yang deficiency, using stronger herbs such as Fu Zi (Aconite), Rou Gui (Cinnamon), and Xian Mao (Curculigo).
How do we understand Unblocking Yang?
When the body is obstructed by cold and dampness or phlegm and blood stasis, Yang Qi cannot circulate smoothly, preventing it from reaching the entire body.
At this time, we need to warm and unblock Yang Qi, commonly using herbs like Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Xi Xin (Asarum), and Dang Gui (Angelica).
The Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Decoction (Astragalus and Cinnamon Five Ingredient Decoction) is an excellent formula for warming and unblocking Yang Qi.
Next, let’s discuss Elevating Yang.
We know that the spleen governs transportation and the elevation of clear Qi.
If the spleen’s function is impaired and cannot elevate clear Qi, symptoms like dizziness and a heavy head will occur, which is what we call the failure of clear Yang to rise.
At this time, we can use herbs like Bai Shao (White Peony), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga), and Huang Qi (Astragalus) to elevate the body’s Yang Qi.
Elevating Yang primarily targets individuals with insufficient middle Qi and Yang Qi that does not rise. A commonly used formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Decoction (Tonify the Middle and Augment Qi Decoction).
Finally, let’s talk about Returning Yang.
Simply put, Returning Yang means bringing Yang Qi back to where it should be.
We all know that those who possess Yang live, while those who lose Yang perish.
Returning Yang treatment is generally used for patients with severe conditions, specifically those with Yang collapse.
The main manifestations of Yang collapse include cold limbs, unclear consciousness, and even coma.
At this time, we need to pull the patient’s Yang Qi back.
Returning Yang treatment typically uses Si Ni Decoction (Frigid Extremities Decoction), composed of Fu Zi (Aconite), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), and Gan Cao (Licorice), which can help return Yang and rescue from collapse.
These are the five methods for regulating Yang Qi. What specific situation do you find yourself in?
If it involves specific medication, it is advisable to seek timely and standardized medical treatment from a professional TCM doctor for differential diagnosis and targeted treatment.
If you have any questions, please feel free to consult, learn, and communicate.
Feel free to share, like, and save this to benefit more people.
Previous Highlights
1. How to Differentiate Between Yin Deficiency and Yang Deficiency from Drinking Water?
2. Sharing a Good Formula for Strengthening the Liver and Kidneys, and Nourishing Qi and Blood
3. Treating Cold Hands and Feet: Simply Supplementing Yang is Not Enough
4. Strengthening the Spleen and Eliminating Dampness: Which is More Effective, Liujunzi Decoction or Shenling Baizhu San?
5. The Same White and Slippery Tongue Coating May Indicate True Yang Deficiency or False Yang Deficiency; How to Differentiate?
6. Understanding Blood Stasis: Use Chuan Xiong for Head, Dan Shen for Chest, Xiang Fu for Liver, and Niu Xi for Waist