Dear family, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), blood deficiency (xuè xū) and yin deficiency (yīn xū) are two distinct concepts, so don’t mix them up!
First, let’s talk about yin deficiency. A person with yin deficiency feels like a small furnace, with internal heat. They often experience heat in their palms and soles, a feeling of heat in the chest, a flushed face, and persistent dryness of the mouth and tongue. When they stick out their tongue, it appears red, and the coating is yellow. Additionally, individuals with yin deficiency have a shiny face, and the redness is superficial, resembling a layer of red gauze, primarily concentrated on the cheekbones.Now, let’s discuss blood deficiency. Blood deficiency mainly indicates a lack of nourishment in the body. People with blood deficiency do not exhibit symptoms of internal heat, but their complexion may appear yellow or pale, with a dry and lackluster face. Upon closer inspection, their nails are pale and prone to cracking, and their hair is dry and brittle, lacking vitality. The tongue appears pale without any blood color, and even the eyelids and lips are of a lighter shade. Internally, blood deficiency can affect the heart spirit, leading to palpitations, insomnia with vivid dreams, and poor memory. If there is insufficient liver blood, individuals may feel fatigued, and their emotions can be unstable, easily becoming irritable.Remember, the characteristic of yin deficiency is “yin deficiency generates internal heat,” showing signs of heat; while blood deficiency primarily indicates that the body is not receiving adequate nourishment.
