Many enthusiastic fans often consult with the family doctor: “Since entering summer, I have always felt unwell. Can you help me determine what constitution I belong to? Also, how should I regulate this constitution?” Such questions are indeed a concern for many friends. Today, we will delve into the classification of constitution in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), focusing particularly on the identification and nurturing of Yin deficiency constitution.
From the perspective of TCM, the human constitution can be roughly divided into nine categories: Qi deficiency constitution, Damp-Heat constitution, Qi stagnation constitution, Yang deficiency constitution, Yin deficiency constitution, Phlegm-Damp constitution, Blood stasis constitution, Allergic constitution, and the ideal Harmonious constitution. Next, we will focus on the characteristics and regulation methods of Yin deficiency constitution.
01
Compare Symptoms,
Determine if You Have Yin Deficiency Constitution
1. Lean physique, with dry skin and a dark complexion. Yin deficiency leads to a lack of necessary nourishment, resulting in a lean physique, dull skin, and a dry, aged appearance.2. Dry mouth and tongue, with a preference for cold drinks. Insufficient body fluids often lead to thirst, but drinking water usually does not relieve it, as the body cannot effectively transform it into bodily fluids. Internal heat rises, making people more inclined to drink cold water to cool down.3. Hard and dry stools, with difficulty during bowel movements. Due to insufficient moisture in the intestines, stools can become hard and difficult to pass.4. Heat in the palms and soles, accompanied by a general feeling of heat. Yin deficiency leads to excessive Yang energy, generating internal heat, which radiates from the limbs and head.5. Difficulty sleeping, especially in spring and summer. Yin deficiency makes it difficult for Yang energy to harmonize with Yin energy, leading to sleep difficulties, particularly in spring and summer.6. Dry cough, especially in the early morning. The lungs lack moisture, making coughing easy, particularly between 1 AM and 5 AM, which may relate to liver or lung Yin deficiency.7. Red tongue, with little coating. Yin deficiency causes the tongue body to shrink, with reduced or absent coating, and a red color, reflecting a state of internal heat.
02
How to Regulate Yin Deficiency Constitution?
1. Dietary AdjustmentsIncrease the intake of Yin-nourishing foods, such as white fungus (yin er), lily (bai he), honey (feng mi), yam (shan yao), pear (li), watermelon (xi gua), kiwi (mi hou tao), which help replenish Yin fluids and alleviate dry mouth, thirst, and constipation.Select moisture-rich and fibrous vegetables, such as spinach (bo cai), celery (qing ceng), cucumber (huang gua), and high-water-content fruits like watermelon and oranges, which help improve intestinal health and promote bowel movements.When cooking, try to use light seasonings, avoiding excessive salt, sugar, and oil to reduce the burden on the body.Moderately consume protein-rich foods, such as lean meat (shou rou), fish (yu), tofu (dou fu), but avoid overly greasy meats like lamb (yang rou) and dog meat (gou rou).2. Lifestyle AdjustmentsEnsure adequate sleep each day, aiming to sleep before 10 PM to facilitate the body’s natural repair.Maintain appropriate activity levels during the day, avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity to promote blood circulation and metabolism.Engage in relaxing activities before bed, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises, to help relax the body and mind, improving sleep quality.Maintain suitable indoor temperature and humidity, using humidifiers or placing plants indoors to increase air moisture and reduce skin dryness.3. Moderate ExerciseChoose low-intensity, low-risk exercises, such as walking (zou lu), jogging (pao bu), swimming (you yong), which help improve cardiovascular function without excessively depleting energy.Wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothing during exercise to keep the body dry and avoid damaging Yin fluids due to excessive sweating.Replenish fluids and electrolytes appropriately after exercise, choosing light saltwater or sports drinks to help restore energy.4. Learn Emotional ManagementCultivate hobbies such as gardening, reading, or painting, which can help divert attention and reduce anxiety and irritability.Regularly engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking or picnicking, as contact with nature helps relax the mind and uplift mood.Family Doctor Online Media Matrix CenterEditor: Peng QiuxiaReviewed by: Hao Yazhu▼Recommended Reading▼Three types of fruits have been listed as “cancer-causing,” is it credible to eat too much? Let’s tell you the truth
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