Between heaven and earth, the belonging of all things is inseparable from the principles of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. Humans are no exception; they correspond with the Five Elements, exhibiting different forms, strengths of muscles and bones, and variations in the flow of Qi and blood, thus being categorized into Yin and Yang.
If a person has a balanced Yin-Yang, they will undoubtedly have strong adaptability, be amiable towards others, conduct themselves with moderation, clarity, and integrity. However, no one is perfect, and any slight deviation can lead to imbalance.
Today, we will discuss the Yang Deficiency constitution.
Constitution Characteristics
1. Insufficient Yang Qi leads to cold hands and feet, sensitivity to cold in the stomach and waist, and a dislike of cold in the back and knees. The tongue is pale, with a moist coating, a swollen body, and teeth marks on the edges.
2. Muscles are slack and drooping; usually, there is a cold stomach and a fear of cold, with hands cold beyond the elbows and feet cold beyond the knees, preferring warm food.
3. The personality is introverted and calm, with low energy; prone to diarrhea when exposed to cold, and susceptible to conditions such as swelling, phlegm retention, and decreased libido.
4. Able to tolerate spring and summer weather, but not autumn and winter, easily affected by wind, cold, and dampness.
Health Preservation
1. Heart Nourishment: Individuals with Yang Deficiency tend to be lethargic, so it is essential to invigorate the spirit, relax the mind, maintain a peaceful attitude, and adopt an optimistic outlook on life.
2. Spirit Nourishment: Maintain a joyful spirit, eliminate anxiety, tension, and fear caused by cold factors, and correct the discomforts arising from Yang Deficiency.
3. Body Nourishment: Yang is stored in the kidneys; for example, the tiger exercise in the Five Animal Play helps to enhance Yang Qi, tonify kidney Yang, and strengthen the waist and knees.
Individuals with Yang Deficiency should choose warm, sunny weather for outdoor activities and avoid exercising in cold or damp conditions.
Activities such as jogging, skipping rope, playing shuttlecock, and table tennis can help generate Yang Qi.
Acupuncture points such as Zu San Li (足三里), Yong Quan (涌泉), and Qi Hai (气海) can be moxibustioned; foot baths for about 20 minutes (adding Gui Zhi (桂枝), Ai Ye (艾叶), Sheng Jiang (生姜), and Hong Hua (红花) during the bath) are also beneficial.
4. Dietary Nourishment: It is advisable to consume foods that warm and tonify the spleen and kidney Yang, such as lamb, leeks (not suitable for those with stomach issues), chestnuts, and sea cucumbers, while minimizing the intake of raw, cold, and cooling foods and beverages.
Herbs that tonify Yang include Rou Cong Rong (肉苁蓉), Lu Jiao Jiao (鹿角胶), Gu Sui Bu (骨碎补), and Yi Zhi Ren (益智仁).
Postscript
Individuals with Yang Deficiency should pay attention to keeping warm, especially in the waist, abdomen, and lower limbs during autumn and winter; ensure clothing is warm. In summer, excessive sweating can easily lead to Yang Qi deficiency, so avoid overly strenuous labor that causes excessive sweating, which can harm Yang Qi. Avoid excessive cooling; if using air conditioning, ensure the indoor and outdoor temperature difference is not too great. Avoid cold foods and drinks, and do not work for extended periods in dark, damp, or cold environments.
The theory of TCM constitution was first recorded in the Huang Di Nei Jing (《皇帝内经》) and has a history of over 2000 years. The application of TCM constitution theory is extensive, emphasizing the adjustability of constitution through the relationship between different constitution types and diseases.
What are your thoughts and good methods for nurturing Yang Deficiency constitution? Please leave a message in the comments.
Stay tuned for more shares on different constitutions; I look forward to your reading and wish everyone good health.
Author’s Biography
I am a woman of March, a TCM practitioner who loves my profession, understands health preservation; I enjoy traveling, writing, and good food, and love life.
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Previous Shares
Daily Topic 7: Secrets of Longevity
Daily Topic 18: Health Preservation for Preemptive Treatment (Balanced Constitution)
Daily Topic 19: Health Preservation for Preemptive Treatment (Qi Deficiency Constitution)
Daily Topic 20: Health Preservation for Preemptive Treatment (Blood Stasis Constitution)
Daily Topic 21: Health Preservation for Preemptive Treatment (Qi Stagnation Constitution)
Daily Topic 22: Health Preservation for Preemptive Treatment (Damp-Heat Constitution)
Daily Topic 23: Health Preservation for Preemptive Treatment (Phlegm-Damp Constitution)