Recently, the entire country has entered a high-temperature state, with temperatures in North China and Northeast China even exceeding 37 degrees Celsius, and some places reaching 40 degrees. In such high temperatures, most people feel particularly uncomfortable, but those with a Yin Deficiency (Yin Xu) constitution tend to feel even worse. So, how should people with Yin Deficiency nourish themselves in summer? What should they pay attention to in order to safely get through the scorching summer? Today, let’s discuss this topic.
First, let’s look at the manifestations of people with Yin Deficiency.
Yin Deficiency refers to the insufficiency of substances in the body that are responsible for stillness and moisture, such as essence, blood, and body fluids, which are all considered Yin. If we compare a person to a running machine, Yin is like the lubricant and coolant. If these substances are insufficient, the machine will run hot; similarly, if Yin is lacking in the body, it will enter a state of false heat and hyperactivity.
Therefore, people with Yin Deficiency tend to be thin, as their bodily functions are hyperactive and consume a lot; they are prone to a flushed complexion, which is a manifestation of false fire rising; at the same time, they experience dry mouth and throat, craving cold drinks. We often see many people who particularly enjoy cold foods, which is often related to their Yin Deficiency constitution.
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People with Yin Deficiency easily experience “five hearts heat”, which refers to the palms and soles of the hands and feet, as well as the heart. In summer, their palms and soles feel hot, and in winter, they can feel cold due to insufficient Yin fluids, while the heat in the heart leads to irritability. Thus, people with Yin Deficiency are prone to irritability, especially in summer when the heart Yin is particularly likely to be insufficient, causing many to become especially irritable.
People with Yin Deficiency are particularly prone to insomnia due to restlessness in the heart, leading to difficulty sleeping. They may also experience night sweats during sleep, as the rapid circulation of Qi and blood does not match the resting state of the body’s defensive Qi.
Additionally, those with Yin Deficiency often have dry stools and yellow, scanty urine.
When Yin Deficiency manifests in the five organs, it presents various symptoms.
• For example, lung Yin deficiency may be accompanied by dry cough with little phlegm, tidal fever, and night sweats;
• If heart Yin is insufficient, it may lead to palpitations, forgetfulness, and insomnia with vivid dreams;
• If kidney Yin is deficient, symptoms may include lower back pain, weakness in the knees, dizziness, tinnitus, increased sexual desire in men, nocturnal emissions, and scanty menstruation in women;
• If liver Yin is insufficient, it may lead to irritability, anger, rib pain, and blurred vision;
• If spleen Yin is insufficient, it may result in dry stools, increased appetite, but weak digestion.
These symptoms generally worsen during the hot summer months. Patients with Yin Deficiency often find their condition exacerbated in summer, and doctors usually pay extra attention and repeatedly remind them to take care.
This is somewhat different from spring, where the external heat is not severe, and the symptoms reflect the individual’s own insufficiency. In spring, if we lack Yin substances, we may experience phenomena of false fire and wind movement; whereas in summer, the external heat is intense, and in addition to the individual’s Yin insufficiency, there is also the harm from external heat, making it more severe than in spring.
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Thus, summer heat injures Yin, and the heart fire is vigorous, leading to a deficiency of heart Yin. In summer, the lung metal is weakened, and those with lung Yin deficiency will find their condition worsening. When both heart and lung Yin are insufficient, it can also lead to kidney and liver Yin deficiency, as the deficiency of heart and lung Yin will borrow resources from the liver and kidneys. Therefore, in summer, the entire body’s Yin is a very precious resource, which is easily depleted and susceptible to external pathogenic heat.
So, how should people with Yin Deficiency nourish themselves in summer to protect their Yin and become healthier?
First, dietary considerations.
It is unclear when barbecuing became a summer staple. This unhealthy yet delicious way of eating, which should be occasional, has now become a primary dietary choice for some, which is not good. Especially for people with Yin Deficiency, they must eat less barbecued and smoked foods, and also limit spicy foods, as these foods can harm Yin.
This is not a joke; a patient once told me that he developed facial paralysis and muscle spasms after eating barbecue. Initially, he thought it was a coincidence, but after recovering, he ate barbecue again, and his facial spasms returned at the dining table. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this spasm is considered due to insufficient Yin fluids and malnourishment of the meridians. He suspected that certain substances in the barbecue smoke might have triggered it.
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• Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that pork and duck are nourishing for Yin, but they should be prepared lightly without too many seasonings, or they will become heat-inducing.
• Most shellfish are considered cooling and can be consumed by those with Yin Deficiency.
• Other foods such as yam, lotus root, white fungus, lily, snow pear, and sugarcane are also good options.
• In terms of Chinese herbs, Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa), Shan Yao (Chinese yam), Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia), Sha Shen (Glehnia root), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Yu Zhu (Polygonatum), Gou Qi Zi (Goji berries), Shi Hu (Dendrobium), Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum), and Sang Shen (Mulberries) are all nourishing for Yin. Among them, Shu Di Huang, Shan Yao, and Gou Qi Zi are particularly effective for tonifying kidney essence, and can be combined for soups.
At the same time, people with Yin Deficiency should eat less cold food in summer. Because those with Yin Deficiency crave cold foods, especially in summer, we must understand that only nourishing Yin with medicinal substances can regulate it. The cooling properties of food and the temperature of food are not the same. Eating cold foods may provide temporary comfort, but it does not significantly nourish Yin. Over time, it can harm Yang Qi, leading to both Yin and Yang deficiency, which we must keep in mind.
Second, in terms of exercise, people with Yin Deficiency should avoid excessive sweating during workouts.
Some say, “Practice in the cold of winter, practice in the heat of summer.” However, this is aimed at those with a balanced constitution. For those with Yin Deficiency, summer workouts should be avoided, as excessive sweating can lead to a depletion of Yin fluids and cause problems.
For people with Yin Deficiency, gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, or Tai Chi during the cooler early morning or evening hours are more suitable.
Third, regarding daily routines, people with Yin Deficiency should ensure adequate sleep.
Summer is a season where sleep can be difficult, as it gets dark late and bright early, leading many to spend summer nights in a lively manner. However, we must understand that the advice of “sleeping late and rising early” applies to those with a normal constitution. People with Yin Deficiency must ensure sufficient sleep and ideally take a nap, as this is to protect and nourish the Yin within us. If sleep is insufficient and Yin is excessively consumed, it will only exacerbate the heat in summer.
Fourth, in terms of outings, it is important to avoid going out during the peak midday sun.
Because summer is associated with fire, and noon corresponds to the heart, which means heat upon heat. Therefore, those with insufficient heart Yin will feel very uncomfortable in such an environment, potentially leading to sudden illnesses. Thus, avoiding outings during peak sunlight is crucial.
Fifth, in interpersonal relationships, maintain a calm demeanor.
In the hot summer, those with insufficient heart Yin are particularly prone to irritability. If they encounter situations that prevent them from staying calm, they may become impulsive and angry. This not only puts pressure on their bodies, leading to cardiovascular issues, but also hinders problem-solving and may worsen situations. Therefore, for those with Yin Deficiency who wish to safely get through summer, I offer you a two-word mantra to keep in mind, which can help you navigate many potentially explosive situations: “Let it be.” Repeating this phrase in a gentle tone, “Let it be, let it be, what can we do?” will help ease your mindset and get through difficulties.
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Sixth, regarding sexual activity, moderation is key.
People with Yin Deficiency may have a strong sexual desire due to Yang dryness, but they cannot sustain it, and men are prone to premature ejaculation. In summer, when Yang energy is more vigorous, those with Yin Deficiency are more likely to become restless, especially with the revealing clothing of the opposite sex. Therefore, maintaining a state of moderation in sexual activity during summer is beneficial for protecting kidney essence. In ancient times, Zhu Danxi even suggested retreating to deep mountains and temples during such seasons; however, I believe we can simply exercise self-control.
Seventh, prevent both Qi and Yin deficiency.
In summer, excessive sweating can lead to the loss of Qi along with sweat, making it easy to experience both Qi and Yin deficiency, which is more complex than simple Yin deficiency. At this time, symptoms may include dry mouth, thirst, and overall weakness. For those with Qi and Yin deficiency, taking herbal formulas like Sheng Mai San (Sheng Mai Powder) can be effective.
Eighth, prevent the state of Yin deficiency with dampness.
People with Yin Deficiency may feel particularly thirsty in summer, leading them to drink excessive amounts of water or consume too much cold fruit, such as ice-cold watermelon. While this may feel comfortable at the moment, it does not alleviate Yin deficiency and may worsen dampness.
We must understand that dampness, as a pathogenic factor, and the body’s normal Yin fluids are two different matters. Yin deficiency and excessive dampness can occur simultaneously. At this time, the patient’s tongue coating may be thick and greasy, but the tongue body underneath will be very red. In this case, it is necessary to use herbs like Huo Xiang (Agastache rugosa), Pei Lan (Eupatorium), Yi Yi Ren (Job’s tears), Xing Ren (Apricot kernel), and Dong Gua Pi (Winter melon peel) to eliminate dampness, revealing the essence of Yin deficiency, and once the red tongue body is visible, we can then use nourishing Yin methods for regulation.
In summary, these are the eight key tips for people with Yin Deficiency to get through the hot summer. How about it? Friends with Yin Deficiency, if you can gain some insights from this, you will safely navigate this summer.
I have always believed that different constitutions require different adjustment methods in different seasons. A one-size-fits-all approach contradicts the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Therefore, at the start of each season, I will remind everyone to take care of their health according to their specific constitution!
— THE END —
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