Explanation of Body Constitution
The Yin Xu (Yin Deficiency) constitution can be roughly understood as a lack of moisture. Yin fluids (water) serve two purposes: they nourish and moisten, and they balance Yang heat. Therefore, individuals with a Yin Xu constitution often exhibit signs of dryness and internal heat: a lean physique, dry skin, and if there is internal heat, oily skin may also be present, along with symptoms of insufficient nourishment to the orifices (such as tinnitus, dry eyes, dry throat, dry vagina, etc.), and the sensation of heat in the five palms (often the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and heart area feel hot, causing restlessness, although body temperature remains normal), excitement, irritability, dry mouth, reduced urination with yellow urine, or hard stools resembling sheep droppings, small and pellet-like. With insufficient water, it is naturally easy to generate internal heat, leading to irritability; without heat, there is no agitation. Individuals with Yin Xu often experience worry and restlessness, leading to a poor life experience, so we must find ways to help them calm down.
People with Yin Xu are particularly suited to practice calming exercises, such as yoga, which emphasizes breath control and mental focus, with slow and gentle movements. Practicing calming exercises allows the heart to gradually settle, generating internal moisture and reducing internal heat. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that “stillness generates water, movement generates Yang.” Therefore, individuals with Yin Xu should focus on calming their spirit, while those with Yang Xu should engage in physical exercise. The nurturing of Yin Xu constitution is quite different from that of Yang Xu and Qi Xu constitutions.
Natural Adaptability
Endures winter but not summer; not tolerant of heat, dryness, or hot pathogens.
Dietary Nurturing
Meat: lean pork, duck, turtle, and soft-shelled turtle.
Vegetables: mung beans, winter melon, adzuki beans, seafood, water chestnuts, and sesame.
Fruits: lily bulbs, fruits, and other sweet, cool, and moistening items.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid lamb, dog meat, leeks, chili peppers, scallions, garlic, sunflower seeds, and other warming, drying, and pungent foods.
Physical Exercise
Suitable for moderate-intensity, intermittent aerobic exercise, such as Tai Chi, Tai Chi Sword, and Qigong, which combine movement and stillness. During exercise, control sweating and replenish fluids in a timely manner; for those with very dry skin, swimming is recommended. Saunas are not advisable.
Medicinal Cuisine Recommendations
Hawthorn and Brown Sugar Soup: 10 hawthorn berries, rinse clean, remove seeds and crush, place in a pot, add water and boil for about 20 minutes, sweeten with brown sugar to consume. This can invigorate blood circulation and dispel stasis.
Walnut and Lotus Seed Pork Soup: Wash walnuts and lotus seeds, and chop pork bones into small pieces. Combine walnuts, pork, and lotus seeds in a pot, add water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 50 minutes, season to taste and consume. Serves 2, once a week.
Black Bean and Chuanxiong Congee: 10 grams of Chuanxiong wrapped in gauze, along with 25 grams of black beans and 50 grams of japonica rice, boil with water until cooked, add an appropriate amount of brown sugar. Consume warm in portions; this can invigorate blood circulation, dispel stasis, and relieve pain.
Life Recommendations
Ensure adequate hydration and take afternoon naps; avoid staying up late. Maintain a regular routine, live in a quiet environment, avoid intense exercise and working in high heat, and moderate sexual activity.
Practice emotional restraint, remain calm in the face of challenges, and properly handle both favorable and adverse situations. Engaging in calligraphy, chess, and travel can help cultivate emotions and enrich the spirit. Regularly listen to soothing, gentle, and lyrical music to prevent anger.
Previous Highlights:
Eight Traditional Chinese Medicines for Yin-Yang Supplementation
“Five Seeds for Yang Enhancement, Six Flavors for Yin Nourishment,” please save these two traditional Chinese medicines
Six Traditional Chinese Medicines for Qi Deficiency, be careful not to take the wrong ones