All things in the world have yin and yang, and kidney deficiency also has its yin and yang distinctions. Kidney Yang deficiency and Kidney Yin deficiency are quite different; thus, nourishing the kidneys must be tailored to the specific type, rather than blindly supplementing.
Kidney Yang Deficiency and Kidney Yin Deficiency: Like Ice and Fire
If we compare the kidneys to a working boiler, then Kidney Yang is akin to the fuel for the boiler, while Kidney Yin is like the water inside it. Both fuel and water are necessary for the boiler to function properly; a balance between Kidney Yang and Kidney Yin must be maintained for the kidneys to perform their transformation functions effectively, preventing kidney deficiency.
Kidney Yang Deficiency → Ice
If the boiler is constantly filled with water but lacks fuel, the water remains cold, leading to Kidney Yang deficiency. Individuals with Kidney Yang deficiency are like water that cannot be heated; they are always cold, with cold hands and feet, and experience lower back and knee pain. Their complexion is pale, lacking blood color, and even their lips and tongue appear pale, often feeling fatigued and listless.
Men with Kidney Yang deficiency often suffer from urological issues, such as impotence, premature ejaculation, and nocturnal emissions, accompanied by symptoms like frequent urination, urgency, and incomplete urination, as well as frequent nighttime urination with clear and copious urine, and loose stools.
Kidney Yin Deficiency → Fire
If the boiler is constantly filled with fuel but lacks water, the water will eventually evaporate, leading to Kidney Yin deficiency. Individuals with Kidney Yin deficiency feel as if they are about to dry out; they experience heat sensations in their palms and soles, and have soreness in their lower back and knees. Their cheeks, lips, and tongue may appear red, and they often suffer from insomnia and night sweats, feeling irritable and easily angered.
Men with Kidney Yin deficiency may initially have no issues with erectile function, but they have a strong libido that does not last long, frequently experiencing premature ejaculation and nocturnal emissions. Additionally, they usually have scant, hot, and yellow urine, and are prone to constipation.
Kidney Yang deficiency and Kidney Yin deficiency are indeed like ice and fire; blindly supplementing can lead to serious consequences: if you already have Kidney Yang deficiency and need to add fuel, but you choose to add water instead, the water will not heat up; conversely, if you have Kidney Yin deficiency and urgently need to add water, but you add fuel, the water will surely evaporate.
Kidney Yin deficiency goes left, Kidney Yang deficiency goes right; the methods of nourishing the kidneys are vastly different
Once symptoms of kidney deficiency appear, medication should be the primary treatment, with dietary adjustments as a supplement. Oral Chinese herbal medicine is an excellent method for nourishing the kidneys, but it is crucial to choose the right herbs. Patients with Kidney Yang deficiency should focus on nourishing Kidney Yang, using formulas such as Zhongjing Yougui Wan (Zhongjing’s Right Return Pill);
Patients with Kidney Yin deficiency should focus on nourishing Kidney Yin, using formulas such as Zuo Gui Wan (Left Return Pill). Both Zuo Gui Wan and You Gui Wan (Right Return Pill) originate from the renowned Ming Dynasty physician Zhang Jingyue, with a 400-year-old proven formula made from authentic medicinal materials such as Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries), Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Fruit), and Tu Si Zi (Dodder Seed), known for their classic formulation, precise efficacy, and easy absorption.
Key Point:Zuo Gui Wan is suitable for Kidney Yin deficiency, while You Gui Wan is suitable for Kidney Yang deficiency; choosing the right nourishing herbs can yield twice the result with half the effort.
Dietary Support: Adding Bricks and Tiles for Enhanced Treatment Effects
Yin deficiency generates internal heat; the method for nourishing Kidney Yin is to tonify and clear heat. A light diet is recommended, avoiding fried foods, and consuming cooling foods that nourish yin and clear heat, such as duck, crab, soft-shelled turtle, watermelon, mangosteen, pear, white fungus, lotus root, bitter melon, cucumber, loofah, winter melon, mung beans, bitter lettuce, and dandelion, as well as foods that promote bowel movements, such as cabbage, rapeseed, bananas, dragon fruit, pine nuts, honey, and yogurt.
Yang deficiency generates external cold; the method for nourishing Kidney Yang is to warm and tonify Kidney Yang. In summer, avoid excessive cooling, and in winter, avoid cold exposure, consuming warming foods such as lamb, quail, loach, leeks, cilantro, lychee, longan, ginger, and fennel. Appropriate moxibustion and cupping can help warm the meridians and dispel cold, and sunbathing, especially on the lower back, is encouraged.
Zhongjing Health Warm Reminder:
To maintain health, one must first nurture the heart; if the mind is scattered, medication often yields poor results; however, if the mindset is calm and positive, medication often works effectively.
Note:
1 Non-prescription medications should be taken according to the instructions or under medical advice.
2 Prescription medications should be taken under the guidance of a qualified physician.
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