In the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), it is stated that “spring and summer nourish yang, while autumn and winter nourish yin.” Winter is the best season for nourishing the kidneys, yet many people often confuse kidney yin and kidney yang. How can one distinguish between kidney yin deficiency and kidney yang deficiency? Many are puzzled by this, but it is actually quite simple to differentiate as long as one grasps the key points.
First, let’s discuss kidney yin. In nature, there is yin and yang, and within our bodies, there is also yin and yang. Yin can be considered the foundation of material substance; without this substance, yang energy cannot be generated. We utilize our own “yin” every day, but in doing so, we may inadvertently overuse it, leading to deficiency. Common ways to deplete one’s yin blood include staying up late and excessive indulgence.
Therefore, many people’s kidney deficiency begins with yin deficiency. What symptoms arise from kidney yin deficiency? If you experience the following manifestations, do not doubt; they are certainly caused by insufficient yin. First is a fear of heat; “yin deficiency generates internal heat.” In summer, one may often feel dry mouth and throat, constantly wanting to drink water, and the cheeks may frequently flush, even experiencing low-grade fever in the afternoon. A more severe form of yin deficiency heat is known as gu zheng chao re (bone steaming heat), where the heat seems to emanate from the bones. At night, due to insufficient yin, one may often feel restless and have difficulty sleeping.
In addition to these, individuals with kidney yin deficiency often have excessive liver fire, which leads to vivid dreams. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also states that “the kidneys govern the bones and produce marrow.” Insufficient kidney essence can lead to decreased memory, lack of willpower, and knee pain. Common Western medical issues like hypertension and dizziness can partly be attributed to insufficient kidney essence. Those with kidney yin deficiency often experience constipation, and there is a sensitive issue for men, which is premature ejaculation, while women may experience amenorrhea or irregular menstruation. So, how can one nourish kidney yin? First, avoid staying up late, as it easily harms yin fluids, and sleeping is the best way to nourish yin; second, refrain from excessive indulgence; third, avoid spicy foods, as they disperse and consume the body’s fluids, exacerbating the already insufficient yin fluids; fourth, do not engage in excessive exercise, especially activities that cause profuse sweating, as this accelerates the depletion of bodily fluids.
Individuals with kidney yin deficiency can engage in slow movements and gentle exercises, and should massage the lower back, legs, and knees. They can also practice kegel exercises. In terms of diet, it is important to balance meat and vegetables, eat less spicy and fried foods, and consume more black foods that nourish yin, such as black sesame and black beans. Now that we have discussed kidney yin, let’s look at kidney yang. The importance of yang energy cannot be overstated. The first reaction to insufficient yang energy is a fear of cold, such as cold hands and feet, cold uterus, and diarrhea; these are all caused by insufficient yang energy. The cold sensation from yang deficiency is not localized but affects the entire body. If someone only has cold fingers that warm up with movement, this is not yang deficiency but may be due to blood deficiency or qi stagnation.
Another obvious characteristic of yang deficiency is frequent nighttime urination. This is because the water consumed needs to be transformed by the bladder, which is closely related to the kidneys. If kidney yang is insufficient, the retention of fluids will also be abnormal, leading to frequent nighttime urination, which is not uncommon. Kidney yang deficiency can lead to male infertility, while in women, it primarily manifests as cold uterus, cold body, irregular menstruation, and dysmenorrhea, which can lead to infertility in severe cases. So, how can one protect their yang energy? First, correct inappropriate clothing choices; many women expose their ankles or shoulders, not realizing that cold air can silently invade the body. Second, consume more warming foods, such as lamb and fennel; third, increase physical activity, as the Huangdi Neijing states, “movement raises yang,” and regular exercise is a good way to replenish yang energy.
Of course, many may still be confused about kidney yin deficiency and kidney yang deficiency. The main points for differentiation are simple: remember the phrase—”yin deficiency leads to heat, yang deficiency leads to cold.” Fear of cold is mostly associated with yang deficiency, while fear of heat is mostly associated with yin deficiency. This concludes our discussion on distinguishing kidney yin and kidney yang. If one wishes to delve deeper, it cannot be summarized in just a few words. The knowledge behind kidney deficiency is profound, but whether it is kidney yin deficiency or kidney yang deficiency, both deserve our attention, and maintaining our health is of utmost importance.Below is a shared article about sarcopenia in the elderly for those interested:https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s?src=11×tamp=1645400167&ver=3633&signature=FFjaIOho5ObneCgl-juX5AiGxteYQiHLYWVSz5T323xNTPvhXkg3581YnPBnMj0GEfaS9810SMjN8jrqsmxTxcL-nNXgdRrypHiMQimps-cg*HRE7pGkooeLuwOMJ86K&new=1
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