Among many patients with nodules, there are quite a few individuals with deficiencies in both Yin and Yang, and for this group, treatment cannot directly supplement Yang nor Yin. So, how should they be nourished?
In my view, the spleen is the foundation of postnatal life, and the root cause of deficiencies in both Yin and Yang lies in the weakness of the spleen and stomach. Therefore, if we can regulate the spleen and stomach and enhance their functions, both Yin and Yang can gradually be replenished.
There are many herbs that nourish the spleen and stomach, such as Qi Wei Bai Zhu San (Seven Flavor Atractylodes Powder), Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction), and Si Shen Tang (Four Spirit Decoction), all of which are excellent for strengthening the spleen and awakening the stomach.
Additionally, we cannot overlook the health of the kidneys, as the kidneys are the foundation of congenital life. Insufficient kidney Yang can cause the spleen and stomach to lose their operational power, exacerbating the degree of deficiency in both Yin and Yang.
Yang Deficiency
Here, I want to discuss a problem: many people do not understand the concepts of cold dampness and Yang deficiency, and they take medications indiscriminately, which can lead to worsening conditions.
First, let’s talk about kidney Yang deficiency. The characteristic of this condition is a strong aversion to cold, for example, even though it is already autumn, some people still wear short sleeves. However, for patients with kidney Yang deficiency, they may have already switched to long-sleeved shirts, and as soon as the weather gets a little cooler, they need to wear thick clothing. Moreover, they often experience soreness and pain in the lower back and knees.Now, regarding cold dampness, it is actually composed of two factors: real cold and damp evil, both of which are solid conditions that cannot be resolved merely by supplementation. The spleen generates damp evil, which is also a solid condition that obstructs the movement of Yang Qi in the body. However, compared to kidney Yang deficiency, cold dampness does not make one feel as cold. To maintain the balance of Yin and Yang in the body, in addition to strengthening kidney Yang, we also need to “unblock Yang”. However, the “unblocking Yang” mentioned here does not mean consuming hot foods or medicines, but rather achieving this through diuresis. By expelling the heavy dampness from the body, Yang Qi can gradually recover, or by dispelling internal cold evils, the Qi and blood can be revitalized, which can also achieve the purpose of unblocking Yang.Yin DeficiencyOnce the issue of Yang deficiency is resolved, what should we do about Yin deficiency?
Supplementing for Yang deficiency mainly involves utilizing the body’s own Yang to help stabilize Yang Qi within. On this basis, appropriately adding some Yin-nourishing herbs can protect the Yang Qi in the body without worrying about the leakage of Yin fluids. Therefore, if you feel that the effect of nourishing Yin is not ideal, it may be because you have not adequately consolidated and unblocked Yang Qi, or there may be issues with the diagnostic direction.Disclaimer: This account aims to promote traditional Chinese medicine culture. The herbal formulas mentioned in the text are for learning and communication purposes only. Please do not use them blindly; medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner.If you like this content, remember toshare and give a 
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