Many people have asked me, “I often feel cold in my hands and feet, is it a Yang deficiency constitution?” “I can’t stand summer, is it a Yin deficiency constitution?” What exactly are Yin deficiency and Yang deficiency?
A person’s constitution is influenced by both congenital inheritance and acquired factors, and is generally stable over a period of time. Therefore, when testing, one should judge based on their recent physical sensations rather than a momentary feeling.
Today, I will teach you how to distinguish whether you have Yin deficiency or Yang deficiency using ten keywords.
Yang Deficiency: Cold, White, Moist, Thin, Quiet
1. “Cold”
The first major characteristic of people with Yang deficiency is “cold”; they often feel cold, have cold hands and feet in winter, and feel particularly cold even in air-conditioned rooms in summer. Moreover, they prefer to drink hot soup and eat warm foods, and dislike cold items; they can endure summer but not winter, often putting on winter clothes earlier than others.
2. “White”
The second characteristic of people with Yang deficiency is “white”; not the rosy white, but pale and sallow, with a dull complexion, pale lips, a light-colored tongue, and hands and fingers that lack color and are not rosy.
3. “Moist”
People with Yang deficiency tend to have moist skin and rarely experience dryness in the mouth, skin, throat, or constipation; they feel that their bodily fluids are sufficient, and their mouth, nose, face, and skin are relatively moist.
4. “Thin”
People with Yang deficiency usually have clear and frequent urination, and their stools may be loose or they may experience diarrhea.
5. “Quiet”
People with Yang deficiency usually prefer quietness and dislike movement. This is because cold tends to constrict, so those with a cold constitution are more inclined to stay indoors, are introverted, and do not like to talk much.
Yin Deficiency: Heat, Red, Dry, Thick, Active
1. “Heat”
People with Yin deficiency always feel hot, dry, and irritable; they tend to get anxious, prefer cold drinks and foods, and even in winter, their hands and feet feel warm, like a little furnace.
Note: If only certain areas feel hot, such as the five palms (hands and feet) and chest, it indicates Yin deficiency with heat, which is different from a heat constitution.
2. “Red”
The second characteristic of people with Yin deficiency is “red”; especially red face, red eyes, and very red lips, with a red tongue and yellow coating.
If the face is flushed, it also indicates Yin deficiency; if it is a sudden flush, it may be due to skin allergies.
3. “Dry”
People with Yin deficiency often experience thirst, dry nasal passages, dry throat, constipation, and short, red urine, making them prone to heat.
4. “Thick”
The fourth characteristic is “thick”; this mainly refers to secretions and excretions being sticky, such as mucus that is thick and hard to expel, phlegm that is sticky and difficult to cough up, and increased eye discharge, all of which are manifestations of a heat constitution.
5. “Active”
People with Yin deficiency prefer activity over quietness, are energetic, and tend to be more extroverted, enjoying lively places and disliking solitude.
Learning to distinguish whether you have Yin deficiency or Yang deficiency allows you to make targeted adjustments in your life.
People with Yang deficiency should tonify kidney Yang to improve cold limbs and other Yang deficiency symptoms, making the body warm and comfortable, and enhancing immunity. Engaging in appropriate outdoor activities in sunny conditions; when feeling down, talking to friends, listening to uplifting music, or traveling can help alleviate low moods.
If you have health issues related to Yin deficiency, you should eat more sweet and cooling foods, such as black fungus, Fu Ling (Poria), Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries), Sang Shen (Mulberries), and other health ingredients. You can also use herbs like Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Yu Zhu (Polygonatum), and Shi Hu (Dendrobium) to make soups or teas; in summer, it is best to drink warm water and avoid cold drinks.
In terms of daily routine, ensure 7-8 hours of sleep, going to bed before 11 PM; try to remain calm and composed in challenging situations, and express negative emotions in a timely manner.
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