Distinguishing Between Yin Deficiency and Yang Deficiency: A Simple Trick to Nourish Yin and Supplement Yang! Many individuals often confuse Yin deficiency (Yin xu) and Yang deficiency (Yang xu), leading to improper medication use that not only fails to provide benefits but can also have adverse effects. Here, I will share a simple trick to easily differentiate between Yin deficiency and Yang deficiency for targeted treatment. The key is to observe the body’s hydration status. By examining the different manifestations of dehydration, one can determine whether it is Yin deficiency or Yang deficiency. In the case of Yin deficiency, the signs of dehydration include a dry mouth, a sensation of overall dryness, a craving for coolness, yet feeling unquenched after drinking water, along with feelings of internal heat and irritability. What the body lacks at this time is not water, but rather body fluids (Jin ye) and blood, which act as lubricants. Drinking water cannot be transformed into body fluids, and no amount of water will quench the thirst. Yin deficiency may also present with other symptoms such as dry skin, dry eyes, a red tongue, thin and rapid pulse, dry hair, insomnia, frequent dreaming, and irritability. In this case, it is necessary to clear heat and nourish Yin, and one may consider using the modified formula of Zhi Bai Di Huang Tang (Anemarrhena, Phellodendron, and Rehmannia Decoction) for treatment. On the other hand, Yang deficiency presents with dry mouth, a preference for hot water, and an excess of fluids in other parts of the body. The tongue is moist and slippery, urination is frequent, and there may be edema in the legs, along with a general aversion to cold and frequent diarrhea. This is often due to insufficient Yang Qi, which fails to transform body fluids for use by the organs. In this case, it is essential to replenish Yang Qi and facilitate the transformation of dampness. One may consider using the modified formula of Gui Fu Di Huang Tang (Cinnamon and Rehmannia Decoction) for treatment.
