Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that Yin and Yang are interdependent and complementary. The kidneys are responsible for storing essence, which is divided into Yin and Yang. Yang can transform into Yin, but the function of Yang relies on Kidney Yin. Therefore, they mutually depend on and support each other. For patients with chronic illnesses, it is common to experience both Yin Deficiency and Yang Deficiency, and treatment requires the harmonization of Yin and Yang.
Many friends with Kidney Deficiency may be familiar with Zuo Gui Wan (Left Kidney Pill) and You Gui Wan (Right Kidney Pill). One nourishes Kidney Yin, while the other tonifies Kidney Yang. Some may wonder if they should take both if they have both Yin and Yang deficiencies. TCM suggests that these two medicines can be used together, and the effects are quite significant! So how should they be taken? In the morning, use You Gui Wan to warm and tonify Kidney Yang, and in the evening, use Zuo Gui Wan to nourish Kidney Yin! TCM emphasizes aligning with the natural rhythms; during the day, Yang energy is strong, and in the morning, it is just beginning to rise, making it the perfect time to use You Gui Wan to specifically tonify Kidney Yang and address issues such as fatigue, cold extremities, and frequent urination caused by Yang deficiency. In the evening, as Yang energy recedes and Yin energy gradually increases, Zuo Gui Wan is used to nourish Kidney Yin, primarily treating symptoms like dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, dry mouth, and heat in the palms and soles due to insufficient Kidney Water.
Individuals with both Yin Deficiency and Yang Deficiency can benefit from the combination of Zuo Gui Wan and You Gui Wan, effectively harmonizing Yin and Yang within the body. TCM teaches that “when Yin is balanced, Yang is secreted, and the spirit is nourished.” When Yin and Yang are balanced, one feels energetic and healthy. It is important to note that the practice of nourishing Yang in the morning and Yin in the evening should be adjusted based on individual conditions. If your Kidney Yin Deficiency is more pronounced, you should use more Yin-nourishing herbs and less Yang-tonifying ones, and vice versa. Treatment should be tailored to specific conditions.
Additionally, the efficacy of these medicines relies on the Spleen and Stomach for absorption and digestion. If your Spleen and Stomach function poorly, or if there are issues like phlegm-dampness or blood stasis, simply focusing on nourishing the kidneys may not be effective. In such cases, the absorption of the medicine may be inadequate, leading to poor results or even causing heat symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to consider your specific situation when using these medicines. That concludes today’s sharing; see you next time!