Previously, I mentioned that each body constitution reacts differently in each season. Therefore, today we will discuss how individuals with Yin Deficiency (Yin Xu) should spend their winter.
People with Yin Deficiency tend to experience internal heat, making summer particularly challenging for them. The hot weather in summer can easily lead to a deficiency of Yin fluids, causing various heat-related symptoms.
“When winter arrives and the weather cools down, shouldn’t those with Yin Deficiency feel more comfortable?”
The answer is: Not necessarily. At this time, individuals with Yin Deficiency may appear comfortable on the surface, but they actually face their own issues, namely the tendency to experience external cold and internal heat. This situation may seem minor on the surface, but those with Yin Deficiency can feel quite uncomfortable.
So, what exactly is Yin Deficiency?
The term “Yin” refers to the material basis of the body that governs stillness and moisture, such as blood and body fluids, which are classified as Yin substances.
Yin Deficiency can be likened to a car engine that lacks sufficient lubrication oil or has insufficient water in the cooling system. Consequently, as the engine operates, it will naturally become increasingly hot.
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Within the human body, Yin and Yang are balanced and interdependent. However, when Yin is deficient, Yang appears excessive, and this excess Yang manifests as internal heat. Thus, the ancients said, “Yin deficiency leads to internal heat.”
This internal heat differs from external excess heat caused by external pathogens or phlegm-damp accumulation, which needs to be cleared. Internal heat, on the other hand, requires nourishing Yin to balance Yin and Yang, allowing the excess heat to dissipate.
What are the symptoms of Yin Deficiency?
1. Dry and hot sensation in the eyes.
2. Dry mouth, a constant desire for cold water or beverages to quench thirst.
3. Heat in the palms and soles, sometimes accompanied by discomfort in the hands and feet, leading to a desire to keep them outside the covers while sleeping.
4. Irritability and easy to anger, often feeling very restless.
5. Night sweats. Sweating at night can soak the pillow and sheets.
6. Weakness in the lower back and knees, often feeling sore.
7. Hair loss and tinnitus, with the ringing being sharp and worsening at night.
8. Dry stools and yellowish urine.
9. Red tongue with thin coating, or even no coating. Rapid pulse. Below is a typical tongue manifestation of Yin Deficiency, showing a red tongue with no coating:
How does Yin Deficiency develop?
Firstly, genetic factors play a significant role. For instance, if parents have Yin Deficiency, their children are often prone to developing the same constitution. Additionally, staying up late and overexertion can also lead to Yin Deficiency. Furthermore, consuming too many spicy foods or medications can gradually harm Yin.
The most notable characteristic of individuals with Yin Deficiency in winter is the combination of external cold and internal heat. The so-called external cold arises because individuals with Yin Deficiency have insufficient body fluids and blood, which are essential for nourishing and warming the body. When these fluids are lacking, the body becomes cold in winter, which can easily be mistaken for Yang Deficiency. However, this is not the case. Individuals with Yin Deficiency may feel hot in their palms and soles during summer, but in winter, they can feel cold in their hands and feet, similar to those with Yang Deficiency.
However, due to the severe internal heat and lack of body fluids, during winter, Yang energy begins to retreat inward, making it easy for individuals with Yin Deficiency to feel internally congested with heat. They may feel cool on the surface but experience internal heat, irritability, dry mouth, and a desire for cold water, feeling as if there is a fire inside them, especially worsening in the evening.
What should be done at this time?
Now is the perfect time to nourish Yin. The Huangdi Neijing states, “The Yin and Yang of the four seasons are the foundation of all things; therefore, sages nourish Yin in autumn and winter to align with their roots.” This can be understood as follows: all things have their natural cycles of rise and fall. In autumn and winter, Yang energy begins to retreat, and the inward gathering of Yang requires the cooperation of Yin to achieve the goal of winter storage. However, for those with Yin Deficiency, as Yang energy enters, Yin cannot cooperate due to its inherent insufficiency, leading to internal dryness and heat. Therefore, in autumn and winter, it is crucial to nourish Yin to allow Yang energy to retreat effectively, ensuring a better spring revival.
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Thus, individuals with Yin Deficiency especially need to nourish their Yin essence at this time.
So, what should individuals with Yin Deficiency do?
I recommend using Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia Glutinosa) to nourish Yin essence during this time.
One can consult a TCM practitioner for a decoction to help with nourishment. A simple dietary therapy method I recommend is:
Shu Di Bone Soup
● 30 grams of Shu Di Huang, 9 grams of Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi), 9 grams of Mai Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus), 9 grams of Fu Ling (Poria), 3 grams of Cinnamon (Rou Gui), and several sections of pig spine.
● Use the pig spine and these ingredients to make soup, adding salt and other seasonings as desired.
● This medicinal dish can be consumed once a week, helping to nourish kidney essence and replenish Yin.
● Duck meat can be used as a substitute for pork.
● Pregnant women should avoid this dish.
This recipe primarily uses Shu Di Huang to nourish Yin essence. In fact, classic TCM formulas such as Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan also primarily feature Shu Di Huang. I believe Shu Di Huang is an unparalleled herb for nourishing Yin essence, and for those with kidney essence deficiency, it is hard to find a better alternative. This is why the famous Ming Dynasty physician Zhang Jingyue frequently used Shu Di Huang in treating various diseases, earning him the nickname “Zhang Shu Di.”
There are many similar TCM formulas for replenishing kidney essence, and they typically include Shu Di Huang. Today, I am only discussing one principle, and we will list articles related to Shu Di Huang in the “Related Articles Review” section below for further understanding.
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Related Articles Review
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✲Methods for Replenishing Kidney Essence
✲In the Major Cold Season, Enjoy a Bowl of Nourishing Kidney Essence Soup! | Health Food Corner
✲With Winter Arriving, How Should Those with Yang Deficiency Nourish Themselves?
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