Yin deficiency constitution, simply put, refers to the insufficient presence of substances that govern stillness and moisture within the body. If we liken a person to a functioning machine, Yin acts as the lubricant and coolant. When there is a lack of lubricant, the machine will run hot; similarly, if the body lacks Yin, it will enter a state of false heat and hyperactivity.
Individuals with Yin deficiency have insufficient Yin fluids, which cannot nourish the organs, leading to an inability to restrain Yang, resulting in an overactive Yang energy and the internal generation of false heat, manifesting as symptoms of false heat syndrome, commonly referred to as “excess heat”.
People with Yin deficiency struggle during the spring and summer.
In spring, as the liver wood sprouts, similar to flowers and trees, the body requires more Yin fluids. Therefore, individuals with Yin deficiency are very prone to experiencing symptoms of false fire and wind movement in spring, such as oral ulcers, hordeolum, and tonsillitis.
Summer exacerbates the heat that injures Yin; with the heart fire being vigorous, heart Yin can easily become insufficient. During summer, the lung metal is also affected, and those with lung Yin deficiency will experience worsening symptoms. When both heart and lung Yin are insufficient, it can lead to a deficiency in liver and kidney Yin as well. Thus, in summer, the entire body’s Yin becomes a precious resource, easily depleted and vulnerable to external pathogenic heat.
Consequently, individuals with Yin deficiency often appear thin, as their bodily functions are hyperactive and consume a lot of energy; they may also have a flushed complexion, which is a manifestation of false fire rising; simultaneously, they experience dryness in the mouth and throat, craving cold beverages, which is often related to their Yin deficiency constitution.
To maintain good health, one must first understand their body constitution.
Each person is different, with varying personalities, lifestyles, and constitutions. The constitution is significantly correlated with the onset of diseases. Each type of constitution has distinct physical characteristics, psychological manifestations, and specific tendencies toward certain illnesses.
Characteristics of Yin Deficiency Constitution
Thin and elongated body shape; extroverted, lively, and active personality; irritable and easily angered; dry skin prone to wrinkles; flushed face and hot palms and soles; dry mouth and throat, with hard stools, etc.
There is a saying in TCM: “Yin deficiency leads to internal heat.” Due to the inability of Yin to restrain fire, the following symptoms may appear.
Tongue coating: Individuals with Yin deficiency have a very red tongue with a thin coating, or even no coating at all, sometimes presenting as a “geographic tongue”—where the coating is peeled off, revealing a red tongue body; a red tongue with little coating is a typical tongue manifestation of Yin deficiency.
Pulse: Individuals with Yin deficiency exhibit internal heat, with a faster pulse.
Palms and soles: Those with Yin deficiency often have very hot palms and soles, and at night, they tend to stick their hands and feet out of the covers; some feel comfortable only when pressing their palms against a cool wall, and they often feel inexplicably irritable.
Skin: Body fluids nourish the skin, hair, and nails, so individuals with Yin deficiency may experience dry, flaky skin, and lackluster hair and nails.
Stool: Due to insufficient body fluids, dryness in the intestines can lead to hard stools.
Water intake: Due to insufficient body fluids and dryness in the mouth and throat, these individuals tend to drink more water.
Due to internal heat from Yin deficiency, excessive false fire can lead to symptoms such as flushed cheeks, irritability, oral ulcers, and short, red urine, all indicative of “excess heat”.
If we differentiate further, Yin deficiency can manifest in different organs:
• Lung Yin deficiency: Often accompanied by dry cough with little phlegm, tidal fever, and night sweats;
• Heart Yin deficiency: Can lead to palpitations, forgetfulness, insomnia, and vivid dreams;
• Kidney Yin deficiency: May cause lower back pain, weakness in the knees, dizziness, tinnitus, increased sexual desire in men, nocturnal emissions, and scant menstruation in women;
• Liver Yin deficiency: Can lead to irritability, anger, flank pain, and blurred vision;
• Spleen Yin deficiency: May result in dry stools, increased appetite, but weak digestion.
Recommendations for Nourishment
01 Dietary Nourishment
Individuals with Yin deficiency should increase the intake of sweet and cool nourishing foods, such as celery, spinach, bean sprouts, loofah, cucumber, winter melon, water chestnut, lotus root, white radish, and tomatoes, as well as fresh fruits like pears, bananas, grapes, persimmons, sugarcane, loquats, coconuts, and mulberries;
Meat options can include beef; or one can appropriately add herbs like Sha Shen (Glehnia root), Yu Zhu (Polygonatum), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Yin Er (Tremella), and Bai He (Lily bulb) in porridge, soups, or sweet soups. It is important to reduce the intake of warming and drying foods such as lamb, dog meat, chili, Sichuan pepper, leeks, ginger, garlic, durian, and lychee.
Additionally, it is recommended to use steaming, boiling, blanching, or stewing methods for cooking, as these methods better preserve the moisture and nutrients of the ingredients, while minimizing frying or roasting, which can increase the drying and heating nature of the food.
02 Lifestyle and Daily Routine
For individuals with a Yin deficiency constitution, during sleep, the body’s Yang energy contracts, allowing Yin fluids to nourish. It is advisable for those with Yin deficiency to adjust their daily routine to ensure adequate rest and sleep. The bedroom should be decorated in soft colors, and it is best to avoid strong tea or coffee before bed, as well as engaging in playful activities or intense exercise. A quiet resting environment should be created, as a calm mind leads to peaceful sleep.
The balance of Yin and Yang in the kidneys is fundamental to the body’s Yin and Yang. Excessive indulgence can harm Yang and deplete Yin; thus, even those without Yin deficiency should practice moderation in sexual activities, while those with Yin deficiency should be particularly cautious to preserve Yin and essence.
Moreover, the “Compendium of Materia Medica” records tobacco as “bitter and pungent, with a hot nature and toxic properties,” while alcohol is described in the “Bielu” as “bitter, sweet, and pungent, very hot, and toxic.” Long-term smoking and drinking can easily generate internal heat; therefore, individuals with Yin deficiency are advised to quit smoking and drinking.
03 Physical Exercise
Individuals with Yin deficiency should choose moderate-intensity, intermittent exercise, such as Tai Chi, Ba Duan Jin, or fitness routines that combine movement and stillness. They should avoid exercising in hot and humid environments and pay attention to their sweating; it is important to replenish fluids promptly after exercise.
04 Emotional Regulation
Individuals with a Yin deficiency constitution often have fluctuating emotions and can be easily irritated. They should pay attention to emotional regulation, remain calm in the face of challenges, and learn how to cope with both favorable and adverse situations while maintaining a stable mindset. For example, practicing calligraphy can help focus the mind, and spending leisure time in beautiful, serene environments can also enhance mood and promote tranquility.
Jilin Guosheng Hongyitang TCM Hospital adheres to the principle of “promoting good and avoiding evil, establishing a career and passing on the essence of the nation,” and insists on the entrepreneurial purpose of “promoting national medicine to benefit the world, treating people with benevolence and virtue,” taking the defense of “original TCM” as its mission, and promoting the corporate culture of “respecting teachers, inheritance, gratitude, and great love” to spread and promote Chinese culture to the world.
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Address: No. 1059 Haoyue Road, Luyuan District, Changchun City, Jilin Province
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