Distinctions Among Kidney Yang Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Qi Deficiency, and Kidney Essence Deficiency
Kidney Yang Deficiency
1. Observing Cold and Heat: Aversion to cold, cold hands and feet; 2. Observing Sweating: Spontaneous sweating, sweating upon movement, and profuse sweating; 3. Observing Body Fluids: Obesity, edema, more severe below the waist, abdominal distension, generalized swelling, pale and swollen tongue; 4. Observing Spirit: Lack of energy, easy fatigue, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak or low voice, depression and unhappiness.
Image of Kidney Deficiency
Medication: You Gui Wan (Right Return Pill)
Principle: This formula uses many tonifying herbs, including Fu Zi (Aconite) and Rou Gui (Cinnamon) to warm the kidneys and tonify Yang, as well as Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia) and Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus) to nourish Yin and benefit the kidneys, filling essence and marrow, along with Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) and Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) to tonify the liver and spleen. Additionally, Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta) and Du Zhong (Eucommia) are included to tonify the liver and kidneys, strengthening the lower back and knees. Finally, Dang Gui (Angelica) is added to nourish blood and essence.
Kidney Yin Deficiency:
1. Observing Cold and Heat: Aversion to heat, five hearts heat; 2. Observing Sweating: Night sweats; 3. Observing Body Fluids: Emaciation, dry mouth and tongue, dry throat with red cheeks, dry skin, red tongue with little fluid; 4. Observing Spirit: Restlessness, irritability, easily angered;
Medication: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill)
Principle: This formula heavily utilizes Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia) to nourish Yin and tonify the kidneys, filling essence and benefiting marrow, serving as the monarch herb. Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus) nourishes the liver and kidneys and can astringe essence; Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) tonifies spleen Yin and can also secure essence, serving as minister herbs. The combination of these three herbs nourishes the liver, spleen, and kidneys, known as the “Three Tonics.” The addition of Ze Xie (Alisma) drains dampness and clears turbidity, preventing the cloying nature of Shu Di Huang; Mu Dan Pi (Moutan) clears fire and moderates the warming and astringent nature of Shan Zhu Yu; Fu Ling (Poria) lightly drains spleen dampness and assists Shan Yao in promoting healthy movement. These three herbs serve as the “Three Drainers,” clearing dampness and heat, balancing excess to treat symptoms, all serving as assistant herbs. The combination of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan achieves the balance of three tonics and three drainers.
Kidney Essence Deficiency:
1. Observing Cold and Heat: Sometimes aversion to heat, sometimes aversion to cold; 2. Observing Sweating: Sweating during the day and at night; 3. Observing Body Fluids: Pale complexion, sometimes dry mouth and tongue, sometimes frequent urination; 4. Observing Spirit: Spirit is listless.
Medication: Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan (Five-Seed Pill)
Principle: This formula includes Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) and Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta) to tonify kidney essence and strengthen Yang, assisting spirit; Frambosier (覆盆子) nourishes true Yin, secures essence, and addresses impotence; Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) tonifies kidney water, benefits lung Qi, and stops leakage; Che Qian Zi (Plantago) promotes urination, complementing the four seeds, balancing tonification with drainage, tonifying without cloying. The combination of these herbs works together to enhance kidney essence.
What harms can kidney deficiency cause?
Frequent nighttime urination, difficulty losing weight, osteoporosis, premature aging, and affecting male functional disorders.