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Yang Qi (阳气) has a warming effect, capable of warming the internal organs and limbs of the human body; Yang Qi also has a protective function, as “Yang protects the exterior and provides stability.”
When Yang Qi is insufficient, the body’s ability to promote blood and body fluids slows down, leading to phlegm-dampness and blood stasis. The entanglement of phlegm and stasis can result in tumors. Therefore, Yang Zhong (主任医师) from the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that Yang deficiency is not a trivial issue; it can lead to serious conditions such as pancreatic cancer and gastrointestinal tumors.
1. Four Major Symptoms of Yang Deficiency Constitution
1. Cold Sensitivity
Insufficient Yang Qi leads to a decreased ability to warm the body, resulting in cold sensitivity. This cold can be alleviated and is not accompanied by fever.
2. Lower Back Pain
Yang Qi acts like an “engine”; only when Yang Qi is sufficient can the functions of various organs operate normally. If there is insufficient Kidney Yang (肾阳), the ability to produce marrow from bones will be compromised, leading to lower back and knee weakness.
3. Abdominal Distension
The functions of the spleen and stomach rely on Yang Qi for operation. If Spleen Yang (脾阳) is insufficient, the transport capacity is impaired, causing food to stagnate in the abdomen, resulting in symptoms of indigestion and abdominal distension.
4. Low Mood
The heart governs the spirit; our judgment of things relies on Heart Yang (心阳) for discernment. When Heart Yang is normal, the consciousness and thoughts of the five organs can be maintained. If Heart Yang is insufficient, judgment ability declines, leading to low mood and lack of energy.
After the age of forty, Yang decreases by half. For normal individuals, upon reaching forty, even without bad habits, Yang Qi generally becomes insufficient. Therefore, generating and supplementing Yang has always been a timeless focus of health preservation, as “sufficient Yang Qi leads to longevity!”
2. A Few Methods to Generate and Supplement Yang
1. Back Bumping
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that “the back is Yang, and the abdomen is Yin.” The central line of the back has the Du Mai (督脉) running along it, which is the sea of Yang meridians; on either side of the Du Mai are the Bladder Meridian (膀胱经), which is also a gathering place for Yang Qi.
Method: Stand about two fist distances from the wall and gently bump your upper back against it; you can also use the shoulder area to bump against the wall.
2. Ear Rubbing
In TCM, the ear is viewed as an inverted infant, containing information about the entire body. Rubbing the ears can mobilize the essence and Yang Qi of the five organs. Moreover, ear rubbing is particularly suitable for those with stasis constitutions; softening and warming the ears can unblock bodily stasis, treat diseases, and improve mood.
Method: Use your index and middle fingers to pinch the entire ear, then rub up and down 20-30 times daily. Then, use your thumbs to pull the ear tips upwards and the earlobes downwards.
3. Moxibustion
“Yang Qi is like the sun; if lost, it leads to shortened lifespan and lack of manifestation.” In the postnatal stage, we easily deplete our true Yang, which directly affects lifespan and health. However, we have moxibustion, which is the best method to restore, assist, and supplement Yang.
During the transition from summer to autumn, this is the best time of the year to moxibustion the Guan Yuan (关元) point; the more vigorous, the better, as this is the time for moxibustion to promote longevity. Traditional literature suggests moxibustion at this time not only strengthens the body and bones but also effectively prevents various diseases caused by seasonal changes.
From another perspective, “nurturing Yin in autumn and winter” also means nurturing the hidden Yang, which is the fire of the Shao Yin (少阴). Which acupoint has such an effect? The Guan Yuan point is best. This point is located between the perineum and the navel, which is the territory of Shao Yin essence and the lower Dan Tian (下丹田). Moxibustion at the Guan Yuan point can strengthen the kidneys, stabilize the foundation, regulate Qi, and restore Yang, making the essence sufficient, reversing deficiencies, thus dispelling fatigue and enhancing overall vitality, making it a key point for health preservation throughout history.
As stated in the “Jing Yue Quan Shu”: “Deficiency can receive heat, so supplementation must also be warming.” Therefore, moxibustion at the Guan Yuan point is to nourish the hidden Yang Qi of Shao Yin.
4. Emotional Regulation
Joy generates Yang; a happy mood is beneficial for the generation of Yang Qi, so adjusting your mindset and maintaining a joyful mood is also one of the important methods to aid treatment. Movement generates Yang—people must stay active to effectively generate Yang Qi and promote circulation. Appropriate exercise, persistence, and enjoyment surpass many tonics.
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