What is deficiency? It means weakness. Yang deficiency indicates weak fire, while Yin deficiency indicates weak water. So, what exactly are Yang and Yin in the human body?When people consume food and inhale oxygen, through the biological transformation in the gastrointestinal tract, energy is produced. This energy is the fire of the human body, the life fire, which represents the Yang Qi of the body. What is Yin, or water? This water refers to blood and bodily fluids.If a person has insufficient Yang Qi, they will have poor metabolism, experience heaviness and weight gain, a swollen tongue, and loose stools; conversely, if a person has insufficient Yin Qi, they will appear thin and may easily experience dry mouth and constipation.Generally speaking, overweight individuals often have Yang deficiency, while thin individuals often have Yin deficiency.Any internal changes in the body will have external manifestations, which can be assessed through the following self-reported symptoms.
01
Yin deficiency leads to internal heat, with typical manifestations including:
Yin deficiency leads to internal heat, with typical symptoms including five heart heat (palms, soles, and chest), thirst and dry throat, preference for cold drinks, flushed complexion, insomnia with vivid dreams, night sweats, constipation, short and red urine, and a thin red tongue, among others.
02
Yang deficiency leads to cold, with typical symptoms including:
Yang deficiency leads to cold, with typical symptoms including cold hands and feet, preference for hot drinks, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, hair loss, loose stools, clear and frequent urination, pale complexion, pale lips, a pale tongue with no coating, reluctance to speak or move, fatigue, and drowsiness, among others.Additionally, Yin deficiency is not exclusive to women; men can also exhibit symptoms of Yin deficiency. Similarly, Yang deficiency is not exclusive to men; women can also show signs of Yang deficiency.The methods for adjusting Yin and Yang deficiency are actually found in the details of daily life.
03
Quickly Distinguishing Between Yin Deficiency and Yang Deficiency:
1. Observe the tongue: For Yin deficiency, the tongue is red, thin, with little and thin coating; for Yang deficiency, the tongue is pale and tender, fat, with a white and thick coating.2. Observe the spirit: For Yin deficiency, there is restlessness and irritability; for Yang deficiency, there is fear of cold, cold limbs, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, depression, fatigue, and tendency to cry.3. Observe cold and heat: For Yin deficiency, there is a fear of heat, hot sweating, and warm palms; for Yang deficiency, there is a fear of cold, cool sweating, and cold hands and feet.
4. Observe pain: For Yin deficiency, there is persistent soreness in the lower back; for Yang deficiency, there is cold pain in the lower back that worsens with cold.
5. Observe complexion: For Yin deficiency, there are red cheeks and a reddish eyelid; for Yang deficiency, the complexion is pale and lacks luster.
So… some friends may wonder why they feel symptoms of both Yin deficiency and Yang deficiency?
Then you have a problem; you have both Yin and Yang deficiency!
04
How to Adjust for Yin Deficiency?
If there are health issues related to Yin deficiency, one should consume more sweet and cooling foods, such as sesame, lily bulb, honey, tofu, and pear. One can also appropriately use Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Yu Zhu (Polygonatum), Shi Hu (Dendrobium), Sha Shen (Glehnia), Huang Jing (Polygonatum), Bai Zi Ren (Platycladus), and Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) in soups or teas.Drink 6 to 8 cups of water (about 1200ml) daily, preferably warm water, and limit cold drinks.In terms of daily routine, ensure 7 to 8 hours of sleep, going to bed before 11 PM; try to remain calm and composed in the face of challenges, and express negative emotions in a timely manner.
05
How to Adjust for Yang Deficiency?
For Yang deficiency, one should consume more warming and tonifying foods, such as pepper, lamb, ginger, leeks, and longan, and limit green tea and cold drinks. Additionally, one can appropriately use Chinese herbs Ba Ji Tian (Morinda Root), Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries), Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche), and Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) in soups or teas.
In terms of daily routine, maintain a 20-minute nap; get plenty of sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes each time, preferably on the back, and consider sauna or hot spring baths; also ensure warmth for the head, back, abdomen, and joints.When feeling down, talk to friends, listen to uplifting music, or travel to relieve low spirits.
Further Reading:
The five internal organs are interconnected; if one organ is weak and not adjusted, it can easily affect other organs. Therefore, when you notice signs of weakness, you should treat it accordingly and adjust early to prevent affecting other organs! Learn TCM by searching for acupuncture and tuina medicine networks to adjust the five organs, starting with the following four major deficiencies: Qi deficiency, blood deficiency, Yin deficiency, and Yang deficiency.
1) Qi deficiency is like insufficient fuel for the body, leading to lack of energy;
2) Blood deficiency means insufficient nutrients for the body, leading to dryness and malnutrition;
3) Yin deficiency is equivalent to insufficient water and fluids, resulting in dryness and heat;
4) Yang deficiency is equivalent to insufficient sunlight, causing a feeling of cold.
Summary of Symptoms of the Four Major Deficiencies: Yin deficiency leads to heat, Yang deficiency leads to cold, blood deficiency leads to dryness, and Qi deficiency leads to weakness.
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