1. Kidney Yin Deficiency is characterized by symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, heat in the five palms, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, forgetfulness, night sweats, early ejaculation in men, scanty or absent menstruation in women, constipation, red tongue with little coating, and thin, rapid pulse. In contrast, Kidney Yang Deficiency presents with a pale or dark complexion, cold and sore lower back and knees, lack of energy, impotence and premature ejaculation in men, cold uterus and infertility in women, nocturnal diarrhea, edema, and frequent clear urination. 2. Types of Kidney Deficiency: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) categorizes kidney deficiency into four types: Kidney Yang Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Qi Deficiency, and Deficiency of Both Kidney Yin and Yang. ① Kidney Yang Deficiency: (commonly referred to as decline of the Mingmen fire) presents with clinical manifestations of Yang deficiency, such as aversion to cold, cold limbs, clear and prolonged urination, pale complexion, decreased libido, impotence and premature ejaculation, pale tongue with white coating, and deep, slow pulse. ② Kidney Yin Deficiency: (commonly referred to as insufficient kidney water) presents with symptoms of Yin deficiency in addition to those of kidney deficiency, such as heat in the five palms, tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth and throat, yellow urine and dry stools, red tongue with little coating, and thin, rapid pulse. ③ Kidney Qi Deficiency: characterized by shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, fatigue, pale complexion, frequent urination, premature ejaculation, pale tongue with white coating, and weak pulse. ④ Deficiency of Both Kidney Yin and Yang: presents with symptoms such as heat in the five palms, night sweats or spontaneous sweating, cold limbs, premature ejaculation, insomnia, vivid dreams, red tongue without coating, and thin, rapid pulse or pale tongue with white coating and deep, slow pulse. 3. Symptoms of Kidney Deficiency: The concept of “kidney deficiency” in traditional medicine refers not only to the anatomical kidneys but also to a physiological function that is quite broad, directly or indirectly related to human reproduction, growth and development, digestion, and endocrine metabolism. Symptoms of kidney deficiency encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the urinary system, reproductive system, endocrine metabolism system, nervous system, as well as digestive, blood, and respiratory systems. Therefore, the symptoms of kidney deficiency are numerous and can be summarized as follows: In terms of cognitive function, symptoms include: decreased memory, lack of concentration, insufficient energy, and reduced work efficiency. In terms of emotional state, symptoms include: poor mood, difficulty controlling emotions, dizziness, irritability, anxiety, and depression. In terms of willpower, symptoms include: lack of confidence, low self-esteem, lack of enthusiasm for work, and absence of goals and direction. In terms of sexual function, symptoms include: decreased sexual function, reduced sexual interest, impotence or weak erections, premature ejaculation, and reduced sperm count or motility, leading to infertility in men. In women, symptoms may include underdeveloped uterus, premature ovarian failure, irregular menstruation, and decreased libido. In terms of urinary function, symptoms include: frequent urination, urinary hesitancy, and prolonged clear urination. Other symptoms may include: premature aging, forgetfulness, poor appetite, bone and joint pain, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, fatigue, reduced vision, hearing loss, hair loss or graying, loose teeth, early aging of the face, dark circles, dull skin, rough and dry skin, wrinkles, age spots, and lack of skin elasticity; hoarseness, breast sagging in women, and abdominal fat accumulation; early baldness in men. 4. Self-Assessment for Kidney Deficiency Please check “√” or “×” in the box before each question based on your situation. If you have three or more “√” answers, it indicates that your kidneys may be signaling a problem: you are likely facing kidney deficiency issues. □ Low back pain: Do you often experience low back pain that worsens with fatigue or rainy weather? □ Frequent urination: Do you urinate more than three times at night under normal drinking conditions, with weak urination and dribbling? □ Constipation: Do you often have dry stools and difficulty in bowel movements? □ Fatigue: Do you often feel tired and lack concentration? □ Insomnia and forgetfulness: Do you have poor sleep and often forget things? □ Aversion to cold: Do you feel cold in your hands and feet when the weather turns cool, and are you particularly sensitive to cold and wind? □ Decline in function: Are you disinterested in sexual activities, and is the quality low? □ Chronic diseases: Do you suffer from various chronic diseases, such as chronic nephritis, diabetes, coronary heart disease, or hypertension? 5. Treatment for Kidney Deficiency: Treatment for kidney deficiency in TCM is mainly divided into treatments for Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yang Deficiency, and Deficiency of Both Kidney Yin and Yang. Treatment can be categorized into several methods, including herbal medicine, exercise therapy, and dietary therapy. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. However, regardless of the method, it is essential to differentiate between Yin deficiency, Yang deficiency, or both, and to provide treatment based on the specific situation. 6. Supplementing the Kidneys Requires Differentiation of Yin and Yang: TCM emphasizes syndrome differentiation and targeted treatment. Supplementing the kidneys requires clear differentiation between Yin and Yang. Using tonics indiscriminately without distinguishing between Yin deficiency and Yang deficiency can be harmful to health. In simple terms, Kidney Yin Deficiency primarily manifests with symptoms such as heat in the five palms, dizziness, tinnitus, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, tidal fever, red cheeks, dry mouth and throat, night sweats, premature ejaculation, red tongue with little coating, etc. At this time, it is most suitable to take the well-known Liù Wèi Dì Huāng Wán (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill). Kidney Yang Deficiency typically presents with symptoms such as cold and sore lower back and knees, cold limbs, especially cold below the waist, needing to wear more clothes than others, frequent urination at night, fatigue, impotence, edema, clear and prolonged urination, incontinence, or difficulty urinating, and pale tongue. In these cases, one should choose the Fù Píng Yì Yáng Jiāo Náng (Fufang Xiong’e Yiyang Capsule), a classic formula for warming and tonifying Kidney Yang. Modern diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, menopausal syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome may be due to either Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidney Yang Deficiency, and treatment should be selected based on the differentiation of Yin or Yang. It is crucial to identify whether it is Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidney Yang Deficiency. If you are unsure, it is essential to consult a professional physician. Tonics should not be taken indiscriminately, and kidney supplementation should not be done recklessly. Kidney Yin Deficiency and Kidney Yang Deficiency are terms in TCM that refer to the functional aspects of the kidneys. When we talk about kidney deficiency, it actually includes both Kidney Yin Deficiency and Kidney Yang Deficiency, as well as the deficiency of both Yin and Yang. However, the promotion of these concepts is often not detailed, leading to confusion. I will briefly explain this, as it involves the foundational theories of TCM, which are extensive. Kidney Yin Deficiency is a material deficiency, while Kidney Yang and Kidney Qi are functional. If we consume too much material, such as Kidney Essence, or if women engage in excessive sexual activity, or if there is excessive labor, both mental and physical, or if one is born with a weak constitution, the material foundation may be low, leading to symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, fatigue, dizziness, hair loss, loose teeth, memory decline, and premature aging. Clinical manifestations may include decreased libido, premature ejaculation, etc. These are all categorized as symptoms of Kidney Yin Deficiency, which is also prone to internal heat. TCM has a theory that Yin deficiency generates internal heat, while Yang deficiency generates external cold. Therefore, symptoms such as heat in the five palms may occur, as well as night sweats, where one wakes up sweating. Kidney Yin Deficiency often occurs in middle-aged and young adults, who tend to have a high level of activity, whether in study or exercise, leading to a significant consumption of energy and material. In terms of sexual function, the sexual desire may not be particularly low, but ejaculation may occur quickly, leading to premature ejaculation. Kidney Yang Deficiency typically presents with similar symptoms, such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, fatigue, and decreased libido. However, due to the deficiency of Yang, symptoms of aversion to cold may also appear. TCM states that Yang deficiency generates external cold, and such individuals often have a pale complexion, are sensitive to cold, have cold hands and feet, and experience clear and prolonged urination, loose stools, etc. This condition is similar to what modern medicine describes as low testosterone levels. Therefore, Yang deficiency manifests externally, and it is more common in older adults, while Kidney Yin Deficiency is more prevalent in younger adults. Thus, it is important to remember these two characteristics: Kidney Yin Deficiency is more common in young and middle-aged individuals, while Kidney Yang Deficiency is more common in older adults. Kidney Yin Deficiency is often associated with symptoms of internal heat, while Kidney Yang Deficiency is associated with symptoms of aversion to cold. In terms of sexual function, Kidney Yin Deficiency is more likely to lead to premature ejaculation, while Kidney Yang Deficiency is more likely to lead to impotence. Of course, there are common symptoms, such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, which are shared symptoms. Prostatitis is a term in modern medicine that overlaps with Kidney Yin Deficiency and Kidney Yang Deficiency. In clinical practice, some individuals may experience symptoms of prostatitis due to excessive internal heat, which can be exacerbated by consuming spicy foods, leading to damp-heat symptoms. In treating chronic prostatitis, if there is a condition of kidney deficiency, it should be taken into account. This is a characteristic of TCM treatment. TCM treatment for prostatitis differs from modern medicine, which primarily focuses on pathogenic bacteria, whether bacterial or non-bacterial, or due to mycoplasma or gonorrhea. In this regard, modern medicine is correct in identifying the cause and taking appropriate antibiotics for treatment. However, TCM has its own characteristics in this area. We also consider the presence of damp-heat, and we use herbs that clear heat and drain dampness, which are essentially TCM’s equivalent of antibiotics. For example, we commonly use herbs like Yě Jú Huā (Wild Chrysanthemum), Dì Dīng (Houttuynia), and Yú Xīng Cǎo (Fishy Grass), which, when analyzed pharmacologically, are broad-spectrum antibiotics with minimal side effects and effective in eliminating pathogens. Especially when modern antibiotics have developed resistance, switching to TCM can yield excellent results, which is often seen in clinical practice. Therefore, TCM can play a role similar to that of antibiotics in treating prostatitis, but TCM also has other methods. For instance, we believe that it is a predisposed constitution, such as internal heat, and we can use herbs to clear internal heat, improve the body’s condition, and alter the pathogenic environment. By eliminating internal heat and dampness, the likelihood of disease occurrence can be reduced. TCM can also repair the damage caused by pathogenic bacteria to the urinary system. Many patients, after treatment, find that the pathogenic bacteria have been controlled, and after a period of medication, subsequent tests show negative results. However, the patient may still feel discomfort. In such cases, if antibiotics are used again, modern medicine may not have a theoretical basis, and the effect may not be good. However, TCM has relevant herbs that can resolve turbidity, open meridians, soften knots, and invigorate blood circulation, effectively eliminating functional obstacles. If there is a feeling of heaviness, we can use herbs that promote Qi, which also work very well. Fourth, it is important to note that chronic illness leads to deficiency. Any prolonged illness depletes the body’s righteous Qi. Some individuals may experience symptoms of deficiency after developing prostatitis, such as poor sleep. TCM can support the righteous Qi by tonifying the kidneys, strengthening the spleen, and nourishing the heart, which can help the body recover more quickly. Therefore, TCM can not only treat diseases but also improve the body’s constitution, address functional issues caused by prostatitis, and support the body’s righteous Qi. Thus, we cannot simply view the relationship between kidney deficiency and prostatitis; rather, we should consider that if prostatitis presents with symptoms of kidney deficiency, we can use tonics for the kidneys, whether for Kidney Yang Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency. However, we cannot assume that all cases of prostatitis will necessarily exhibit symptoms of kidney deficiency. For example, if the condition has been present for a short time and there are no symptoms of kidney deficiency, there is no need for kidney tonics. Therefore, there is a certain relationship between prostatitis and kidney deficiency, and they intersect, which will naturally be considered in treatment by the physician. Kidney deficiency refers to a central deficiency of kidney essence, which leads to symptoms of kidney Qi deficiency, kidney Yin deficiency, and kidney Yang deficiency. The following is a detailed description: 1. Kidney Essence Deficiency: characterized by symptoms such as empty brain marrow, cognitive decline, forgetfulness, insomnia, pale complexion, dark circles around the eyes, sluggish movements, weakness in the lower limbs, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, premature aging, impotence, and in children, developmental delays and the five delays (delayed development) and five weaknesses (weakness in limbs). 2. Kidney Qi Deficiency: characterized by insufficient energy, tendency to sleep when still, weakness in the eyes, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, susceptibility to colds, premature ejaculation, and urinary issues such as frequent urination, weak urination, dribbling, and even incontinence. 3. Kidney Yin Deficiency: characterized by symptoms such as emaciation, heat in the five palms, thirst, dry throat (or recurrent throat pain), tidal fever, red cheeks, night sweats, tinnitus, soreness in the lower back, yellow and red urine, red tongue with little coating, and thin, rapid pulse. 4. Kidney Yang Deficiency: characterized by aversion to cold, cold limbs, susceptibility to wind and cold, excessive sweating, poor appetite, impotence, cold uterus leading to infertility, nocturnal diarrhea, or difficulty urinating, and cold and sore lower back, pale or swollen tongue with teeth marks, and deep, slow pulse. It should be noted that, on one hand, all types of kidney deficiency center around kidney essence deficiency, so the manifestations of kidney essence deficiency are present in all types of kidney deficiency. On the other hand, due to various influencing factors, each individual’s presentation may primarily exhibit one or several types of symptoms. The concept of kidney deficiency in TCM and its connection to sub-health: TCM believes that the kidneys are the foundation of congenital essence, the source of human reproductive development, and the driving force behind the functional activities of the organs. The essence and Qi of the kidneys can be divided into two aspects: kidney Yin and kidney Yang. Kidney Yin and kidney Yang depend on each other and restrict each other, maintaining the dynamic balance of the body. When this balance is disrupted, pathological changes occur, leading to either deficiency or excess of kidney Yin or Yang. This is what is referred to as kidney deficiency. Currently, the term “kidney deficiency” commonly used in society, such as premature ejaculation, impotence, low libido, infertility, etc., actually refers to a narrow definition of kidney deficiency. In a broader sense, kidney deficiency encompasses a series of systemic symptoms. The concept of kidney deficiency in TCM bears similarities to the sub-health state recognized by modern medicine. Firstly, most patients with kidney deficiency and those in a sub-health state cannot be distinguished at the time of consultation, as they share similar symptoms. Secondly, both definitions are abstract and determined by a collection of symptoms. The difference is that the concept of kidney deficiency has a long history, and some organic diseases are often included within it. There are various types of kidney deficiency, with Kidney Yin Deficiency and Kidney Yang Deficiency being the most common. In TCM, kidney deficiency encompasses many types, with the most common being Kidney Yin Deficiency and Kidney Yang Deficiency. Kidney Yin Deficiency is characterized by symptoms such as dry mouth and throat, itchy skin, insomnia with vivid dreams, irritability, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, heat in the palms and soles, tinnitus, and dizziness. In women, symptoms may include constipation, scanty or absent menstruation. Kidney Yang Deficiency is characterized by a pale or dark complexion, soreness and pain in the lower back and knees, lack of energy, cold hands and feet, aversion to cold and wind, diarrhea, and body swelling. In women, symptoms may include infertility, incontinence, edema, and low libido. Experts remind us: kidney deficiency does not equal kidney failure. The kidneys referred to in TCM and those in modern medicine are not the same. Kidney deficiency is not kidney failure; it simply indicates a weakness of Qi, blood, Yin, and Yang, and does not pose a life-threatening situation like kidney failure. Those with kidney deficiency must pay attention to kidney tonification, but should not do so indiscriminately. TCM theory holds that the kidneys govern essence. Essence is the fundamental substance that constitutes human life and is the material basis for the functional activities of the five organs and six bowels. Sufficient kidney essence leads to a strong body and normal organ function, while kidney deficiency results in weakened vitality, making the body susceptible to various diseases. Therefore, to fundamentally address these ailments and thoroughly improve the body’s condition, one must start with kidney tonification. However, kidney deficiency should not be supplemented blindly, as indiscriminate supplementation is harmful and unhelpful. Professor Zhao emphasizes that in TCM, it is crucial to determine whether it is Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yang Deficiency, or Kidney Qi Deficiency before supplementing. Therefore, those with kidney deficiency must seek proper diagnosis and treatment from qualified TCM practitioners. Generally speaking, individuals with Kidney Yin Deficiency often have a flushed face and experience heat in the five palms. Tonics for Kidney Yin Deficiency are often cold and sweet herbs, such as Shí Hú (Dendrobium), Yù Zhú (Polygonatum), Shān Zhū Yù (Cornelian Cherry), Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ (Goji Berries), and Xī Yáng Shēn (American Ginseng). The representative formula is Liù Wèi Dì Huāng Wán (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill). Individuals with Kidney Yang Deficiency tend to be cold-sensitive, with cold limbs and a pale complexion. Tonics for Kidney Yang Deficiency are often warming herbs, such as Fù Zǐ (Aconite), Ròu Guì (Cinnamon), and Lù Róng (Deer Antler). The representative formula is Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet). Preventing Kidney Deficiency Starts Now To prevent kidney deficiency, it is essential to pay attention to rest, balance work and leisure, and engage in recreational activities to relieve mental stress and release negative emotions. A balanced diet and regular lifestyle are also important. Additionally, the following simple tips can strengthen the body, prevent kidney deficiency, and serve as auxiliary treatment for those with kidney deficiency. 1. Regularly practice Tàijí Quán (Tai Chi). It is best to practice in the morning in a park with fresh air, under trees, or by the water. 2. Daily self-massage of the lower back: Rub your palms together until warm, then place them on either side of the lower back, palms against the skin, and massage up and down until warmth is felt. Do this morning and evening, about 200 times each time. 3. Daily foot massage: Rub your palms together until warm, then use your left hand to rub the right foot sole and your right hand to rub the left foot sole, once in the morning and once in the evening, about 300 times each time. 4. Daily anal contraction exercises: Relax your body and breathe naturally; contract the anus while exhaling and relax while inhaling, repeating about 30 times. 5. Daily simple exercises (if time permits, you can do them multiple times): (1) Stand with feet parallel, shoulder-width apart, looking straight ahead, arms naturally hanging down, palms touching the seams of your pants, fingers naturally spread. Raise your heels and breathe continuously for 9 times. (2) Lower your heels, inhale, and slowly bend your knees to squat down, turning your hands forward, with the tiger mouth facing the ankles; when your hands approach the ground, slightly clench your fists (as if grasping something) and take a deep breath. (3) Hold your breath, gradually stand up, with your hands hanging down, gradually clenching your fists. (4) Exhale, stand straight, twist your arms outward, with your fists facing forward, while pressing your elbows from both sides against your ribs, simultaneously lifting your body and heels, and contracting the anus while breathing. Self-assessment for women with kidney deficiency: Compare the following symptoms to determine if you have kidney deficiency. If you have problems in two or more areas, you should seek medical examination as soon as possible. 1. General symptoms: fatigue, unclear thinking, lack of concentration, and memory decline.Typical manifestations: ● Work efficiency has significantly decreased, and your supervisor has expressed dissatisfaction. ● Feeling listless. After just one hour at work, you feel chest tightness and shortness of breath, longing to go home to rest, but cannot sleep once in bed. ● Memory decline. You cannot remember things you planned yesterday. 2. Neuromuscular symptoms: frequent insomnia, dizziness, lower back pain, and weakness in the lower limbs.Typical manifestations: ● Often feeling very sleepy but unable to sleep well, experiencing vivid dreams and easily waking up. ● Noticeable weight gain or loss. Upon waking, you find your abdominal muscles are relaxed and weak, and your complexion is pale. ● Experiencing discomfort in the back without any rheumatism or injury, with a feeling of tightness in the chest, lower back pain, and non-specific muscle and joint pain. ● Not lifting heavy objects, but feeling weak after walking up three flights of stairs; sitting in a chair watching TV for more than two hours leads to lower back pain. 3. Cardiovascular symptoms: palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and swelling.Typical manifestations: ● Swelling of the ankles and calves upon waking or after exertion, with swelling of the lower eyelids. ● Two to three days before menstruation, experiencing swelling in the limbs, fullness in the chest, and chest pain. 4. Gastrointestinal symptoms: poor appetite, nausea, stomach pain, abdominal pain and diarrhea, constipation, etc.Typical manifestations: ● Frequent urination, with more than three nighttime urinations under normal drinking conditions; weak urination, dribbling, and sticky stools. ● Feeling discomfort in the stomach after eating raw, cold, or hard foods, with a sticky feeling in the mouth, and feeling better after vomiting. ● Eating very little during three meals a day. Excluding weather factors, even if the food is very suitable for your taste, it feels tasteless. 5. Sensory symptoms: eye fatigue, nasal congestion, dizziness, tinnitus, and throat discomfort.Typical manifestations: ● Prone to colds, and after catching a cold, experiencing nasal congestion, runny nose, dry throat, throat pain, and a feeling of tightness in the throat. ● After sitting or squatting for a while, feeling dizzy and experiencing tinnitus upon standing. ● Feeling dry and painful eyes after using a computer or reading for twenty to thirty minutes. 6. Other symptoms: decreased sexual interest, depression, anxiety, and fear.Typical manifestations: ● No longer enthusiastic about gatherings with friends, feeling forced to socialize. ● Unable to maintain a positive work mood, feeling inexplicably irritable but lacking the energy to express it. ● Irregular menstruation, decreased libido, and feeling exhausted during sexual activity. TCM believes that everything has two aspects of Yin and Yang, and the kidneys also have distinctions between Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang. The causes of kidney dysfunction may be due to either Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidney Yang Deficiency, so it is crucial to identify the cause and supplement accordingly. Symptoms of Kidney Yin Deficiency: 1. Soreness in the lower back and legs. 2. Dry mouth and irritability. 3. Heat in the palms. 4. Tendency to sweat. Men with sexual dysfunction due to Kidney Yin Deficiency can often benefit from taking tonics for Kidney Yin, such as Liù Wèi Dì Huāng Wán, and dietary supplements like mulberries and goji berries in porridge, which can also yield good results. Kidney Yang Deficiency typically presents with low back pain, as the lower back is the residence of the kidneys. This pain often has a cold sensation. Patients may feel cold in the lower back, which is a typical manifestation of Kidney Yang Deficiency. This can extend to the whole body, leading to a general aversion to cold. Since Kidney Yang is the root of Yang energy in the body, if it is weak, the warming effect of Yang energy throughout the body will decrease. Symptoms of Kidney Yang Deficiency: 1. Low back pain with a cold sensation. 2. Cold hands and feet, frequent urination. Foods suitable for individuals with Kidney Yang Deficiency include seafood and chives. Tonics for Kidney Yang can include Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet) and Wǔ Zǐ Yǎn Zōng Wán (Five-Seed Pill). In cases of Kidney Yin Deficiency, internal heat can easily become excessive. If warming tonics are used at this time, it is akin to adding fuel to the fire, exacerbating the patient’s heat symptoms. Conversely, if a patient has Kidney Yang Deficiency and is given Yin tonics, it is like adding snow to a fire, which the patient cannot tolerate either. The formula Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán consists of Guì Zhī (Cinnamon Twig), Fù Zǐ (Aconite), Gān Dì Huāng (Rehmannia), Huái Shān Yào (Chinese Yam), Shān Yú Ròu (Shan Yao), Zé Xiè (Alisma), Fú Lóng (Poria), and Dān Pí (Moutan Cortex). This is a well-known formula for warming and tonifying Kidney Yang. This formula not only tonifies and drains but also balances Yin and Yang, and combines cold and heat, allowing Yin and Yang to mutually support each other, making it a shining pearl in TCM pharmacology. The author has used this formula as the main treatment for many difficult and complicated diseases, achieving ideal results. Chronic Asthma in the Elderly: Elderly asthma is fundamentally rooted in kidney deficiency, with true essence depletion leading to insufficient kidney Qi to regulate breathing. The treatment should focus on warming and tonifying Kidney Yang to stabilize breathing. Using Shè Gān (Belamcanda), Jú Gēng (Platycodon), and Xìng Rén (Apricot Kernel) ground together, wrapped in cloth, and brewed with hot water to take with Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán can often yield excellent therapeutic effects. Once breathing stabilizes, taking Zǐ Hē Chē (Cordyceps) powder with Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán can help consolidate the effect. Chronic Nephritis: This condition is a complex clinical disease that is challenging to treat and has a poor prognosis. In the later stages, it often presents with weak kidney Qi. The treatment should focus on warming the kidneys and assisting Yang, and promoting Qi and draining water. Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán is the first choice for treating this condition, and it can be adjusted based on the specific syndrome, adding Dǎng Shēn (Codonopsis), Huáng Qí (Astragalus), and Dà Zǎo (Jujube) for Qi deficiency; adding Dān Shēn (Salvia) and Dāng Guī (Angelica) for blood stasis; and adding Shān Zhā (Hawthorn) and Cè Bǎi Yè (Platycladus) for difficult-to-treat proteinuria. These can be brewed with hot water to take with Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán, effectively improving clinical symptoms and protecting kidney function. Aplastic Anemia: This condition develops slowly and has a long course. According to TCM differentiation, it is believed that the root of this condition lies in the kidneys, as the kidneys govern the bones, and bone marrow is produced from the kidneys. Therefore, kidney essence depletion leads to a lack of blood production, resulting in this condition. Its symptoms also exhibit characteristics of Kidney Yang Deficiency. Using Dǎng Shēn, Huáng Qí, and Zǐ Cǎo (Lithospermum) brewed with hot water, along with long-term use of Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán, can have a good effect in strengthening the body and nourishing the blood. Leukopenia: This condition is often caused by infections or physical and chemical factors, and drug-induced causes are also common. In the mid to late stages, it often presents with symptoms of spleen and kidney Yang deficiency and weak Qi and blood. While treating the primary disease, using Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán to warm Yang and tonify blood is also an effective method for prevention and treatment. Chronic Diarrhea: There are many causes of chronic diarrhea. While identifying the cause, combining TCM and Western medicine treatment often yields immediate results. For patients with chronic diarrhea due to insufficient kidney Qi and decline of Mingmen fire, which fails to warm the spleen and protect the earth, leading to undigested food stagnating and causing dampness and diarrhea, the treatment should focus on strengthening Yang and warming the kidneys. Using Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán in combination with Sì Shén Wán (Four Gods Pill) can yield excellent results. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: This is a common condition that severely affects the quality of life in the elderly. TCM differentiation identifies it as primarily due to kidney Yang deficiency, decline of Mingmen fire, and impaired Qi transformation. The treatment should focus on warming Yang, benefiting Qi, tonifying the kidneys, and promoting urination. Using Guī Wěi (Return Tail) and Zé Lán (Lycopus) brewed with hot water to take with Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán is effective. Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán is an extremely common formula for warming and tonifying Kidney Yang in clinical practice. With modern scientific pharmaceutical methods, the clinical efficacy of this medicine has been enhanced, and it is widely used. The conditions described in this article are common clinical diseases, including some difficult-to-treat chronic conditions, for which Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán has shown good therapeutic or improving effects. In fact, in clinical practice, we have recognized that for many chronic diseases or elderly patients, as long as symptoms of spleen and kidney Yang deficiency are present, Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán can be used, and it often yields good results. For blood system diseases, not only the conditions mentioned in this article, such as aplastic anemia and leukopenia, but also hemolytic anemia, leukemia, and primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura can be treated with Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán based on differentiation, promoting clinical treatment effects. The key to using Jīn Guì Shèn Qì Wán in clinical practice is to appropriately administer herbal teas based on diagnosis and differentiation, which is more scientific and reasonable. When preparing herbal teas, it is important to select high-quality herbs and brew them with boiling water for 20 minutes in a sealed container for optimal results. 1. Kidney Yin Deficiency: Kidney Yin refers to the Yin fluids of the kidneys, including the essence stored in the kidneys, which is the material basis for the functional activities of the kidneys. Due to excessive sexual activity, overuse of warming and drying agents that deplete kidney essence, or emotional stress that consumes Yin essence, kidney Yin deficiency can occur. Insufficient kidney Yin leads to a lack of nourishment, and Yin deficiency cannot control Yang, resulting in internal heat. 2. Kidney Yang Deficiency: Any individual with weak Yang energy, or those who have suffered from prolonged illness or excessive sexual activity, may develop kidney Yang deficiency. The main pathogenesis of kidney Yang deficiency involves two aspects: one is insufficient kidney Yang, leading to decline of Mingmen fire, reduced function, and inability to warm and contain, resulting in symptoms such as aversion to cold, nocturnal urination, incontinence, and diarrhea; the other is insufficient kidney Yang, leading to an inability to transform and regulate fluids, resulting in symptoms such as edema and urinary retention. Supplementing and protecting the kidneys is crucial in daily life, and the following guidelines should be mastered by middle-aged men. 1. Regularly engage in activities that promote circulation in the lower back, allowing kidney Qi to be continuously nourished. Appropriate exercise can improve physical condition, stimulate thinking, strengthen muscles and bones, and promote the digestion and absorption of nutrients, thereby consolidating kidney Qi. 2. Sexual activity should be moderate, neither forced nor indulgent. 3. In terms of diet, here is a small “prescription”: when feeling weak and fatigued, consume foods rich in iron and protein, such as black fungus, jujubes, and black-boned chicken; for those with poor digestion, drink yogurt and eat hawthorn; for daily kidney protection, consume foods like chives, sea cucumber, ginseng, black-boned chicken, and pigeon. 4. Engage in self-massage of the lower back; these exercises can promote the flow of Mingmen Qi and nourish the kidneys. Additionally, frequent massage of the Yongquan point (Kidney 1) can benefit essence, tonify the kidneys, strengthen the body, prevent premature aging, and promote liver health, clear the throat, calm the mind, improve sleep, and enhance appetite. 5. Sufficient sleep is also an important guarantee for restoring vitality. No matter how busy work is or how many worries there are at home, it is essential to rest on time. The average person filters about 180 liters of primary urine daily, but after reabsorption and secretion in the renal tubules, only about 1.5 liters are concentrated and excreted. This contains approximately 40-100 milligrams of protein, which cannot be detected using qualitative methods for urine protein. Proteinuria is not always pathological; there are functional and pathological types of proteinuria. Functional proteinuria, also known as physiological proteinuria, occurs temporarily in healthy individuals. It is more common in young people and can be triggered by intense exercise, fever, high temperatures, cold exposure, or mental stress, leading to renal vascular spasms or congestion, which increases the permeability of the glomerular filtration membrane, resulting in significant protein leakage. Normal pregnant women may also experience a slight increase in urine protein due to changes in position and increased renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. Functional proteinuria resolves on its own once the triggering factors are removed, hence it is also referred to as reversible or transient proteinuria. A simple and rough method to test for protein in urine is to boil the urine. If the urine appears cloudy, adding 5% acetic acid and boiling again will clarify the urine, indicating no protein present. If the cloudiness persists or increases, indicating flocculent sediment or coagulation, the urine protein test is positive. Pathological proteinuria refers to the persistent presence of protein in urine due to disease in a specific system or organ. Generally, if the 24-hour urine protein exceeds 150 milligrams, it is considered pathological. Common causes include: Glomerular proteinuria: caused by damage to the capillary walls of the glomeruli (such as immune damage), leading to reduced or lost filtration capacity, resulting in increased permeability of the glomeruli. Excess plasma protein is filtered beyond the reabsorption capacity of the renal tubules, leading to proteinuria. This is seen in conditions such as acute and chronic nephritis, lupus nephritis, and diabetic nephropathy. Tubular proteinuria: occurs when the renal tubules are damaged or functionally impaired, leading to reduced reabsorption of protein or increased secretion of protein, resulting in increased urine protein. This can occur in conditions such as renal tubular acidosis, drug-induced kidney disease, and nephrotoxic effects of antibiotics. Overflow proteinuria (also known as coagulable proteinuria): when urine is heated to 40°C, it becomes cloudy; at 60°C, it coagulates; and at 100°C, it dissolves. This is commonly seen in conditions such as multiple myeloma, primary amyloidosis, and macroglobulinemia. Is cloudy urine synonymous with proteinuria? What is proteinuria? A healthy person typically excretes about 80 to 150 milligrams of protein daily. Due to the dilution of urine, the concentration of protein excreted is generally below 10 milligrams per 100 cc of urine. The composition of protein in urine includes albumin, globulin, and tissue proteins. Although referred to as protein, its appearance in urine is transparent and invisible to the naked eye; it must be acidified to denature the protein to form a cloudy precipitate. Is cloudy urine necessarily proteinuria? This is a common question asked by patients in urology clinics. Cloudy urine is most often caused by excessively alkaline urine, leading to the precipitation of phosphate crystals, which causes the urine to appear cloudy. If acid is added, the cloudiness disappears, which is the opposite of proteinuria. Eating after meals or consuming large amounts of milk can increase phosphates in urine. Other causes of cloudy urine include severe urinary infections, and rare cases of chyluria caused by obstruction of lymphatic vessels by parasitic filaria. Therefore, cloudy urine does not equate to proteinuria. If you notice cloudy urine with white precipitates, do not assume it is proteinuria and take tonics indiscriminately. Q: I am 27 years old, male, and have had cloudy urine for a long time. I usually do not pay much attention to it, but when using a sputum cup, I can see white precipitates at the end of the urine. I have undergone multiple urine tests, and no abnormalities were found. A doctor I know said it is not a big deal and is “chyluria”. I took a single prescription and felt some improvement, but after a while, I stopped taking it. I still experience this phenomenon, usually when I drink less water, and my urine appears yellow. I am unsure if I have a real problem. Treatment: Your condition may be a manifestation of chronic prostatitis, which can present as chyluria. A low-fat diet is crucial for treating chyluria. I recommend you go to the hospital for examination, as this will clarify the diagnosis and rule out other possible diseases, which is better than consulting in this manner. Additionally, here is a small method: once it is confirmed that there are no other diseases, you can use 2% silver nitrate 10ml to irrigate the bladder, which has a relatively certain effect. Regarding the question, “What other diseases can cause high proteinuria besides kidney disease?”: 1. High proteinuria is a manifestation of kidney disease and can be diagnosed as “nephritis”; 2. The key is to identify the cause of nephritis, which can have many origins: 1. Primary glomerular diseases, such as chronic nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, acute nephritis, and rapidly progressive nephritis; 2. Secondary kidney diseases, such as lupus nephritis, which is more common in women, purpura nephritis, which is more common in children, and diabetic nephropathy, which is more common in the elderly; 3. Drug-induced interstitial kidney diseases and tubular diseases; 4. Rare hereditary diseases with a family history, such as hereditary nephritis and polycystic kidney disease.。· The End · Warm Reminder::All formulas and treatments mentioned in this article are for learning reference only. Non-professionals should not attempt to self-medicate!This platform does not bear any responsibility for any consequences arising from this!⊙ Copyright Statement: The article is sourced from the internet. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.
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