The fundamental concepts of Yin-Yang theory include the opposition and mutual restriction of Yin and Yang, their interdependence, balance of growth and decline, and mutual transformation.

To understand Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency, we must first discuss Yin and Yang:

The Yin-Yang theory is a representation of ancient Chinese materialist philosophy and serves as a foundational theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The concept of Yin and Yang will not be discussed in depth here; interested readers can refer to TCM foundational theory texts for further understanding. The basic content of Yin-Yang theory includes the opposition and mutual restriction of Yin and Yang, their interdependence, balance of growth and decline, and mutual transformation. In this article, we will briefly look at the mutual transformation and interdependence of Yin and Yang.

Mutual transformation refers to the idea that “Yin can transform into Yang, and Yang can transform into Yin.” Under certain conditions, Yin and Yang can transform into each other (extreme cold generates heat, extreme heat generates cold).

Interdependence means that “Yang arises from Yin, and Yin arises from Yang.” Yin and Yang are mutually dependent; neither can exist independently (the loss of either Yin or Yang is a critical condition).

Yin and Yang must mutually depend on each other to form a complete life. Isolated Yin or Yang cannot exist independently.

After understanding the mutual transformation and interdependence of Yin and Yang, let’s return to the topic of Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency:

Most people know that Kidney Deficiency can be categorized into Kidney Yin Deficiency and Kidney Yang Deficiency, but few have heard of the condition known as Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency. Yes, you read that correctly; in addition to the two common types of Yin Deficiency and Yang Deficiency, there is also the condition of Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency.

A simple diagram illustrating Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yang Deficiency, and Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency.

The above diagram is a very simple yet clear illustration I created in a table. Through this diagram, we can visually see the normal states of Kidney Yin and Yang and their deficient states. In the diagram, blue represents Kidney Yin, and red represents Kidney Yang:

Figure 1: Both Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang are relatively sufficient, in a full state, with a dynamic balance of Yin and Yang, indicating a healthy state of the body;

Figure 2: Kidney Yang is at a normal level, while Kidney Yin is relatively insufficient and in a deficient state, presenting symptoms of Kidney Yin Deficiency;

Figure 3: Kidney Yin is at a normal level, while Kidney Yang is relatively diminished and in a deficient state, presenting symptoms of Kidney Yang Deficiency;

Figure 4: Both Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang are not full, both have been depleted, and are below normal states, presenting symptoms of Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency.

This diagram is a very simplified illustration intended to help everyone quickly and intuitively understand the state of Yin and Yang. In reality, Yin and Yang are dynamically transforming and maintaining a dynamic balance; the state of Kidney Deficiency is also complex and does not develop according to such a simple and clear pattern.

Yang arises from Yin, and Yin arises from Yang; Yin can transform into Yang, and Yang can transform into Yin. The mutual transformation and interdependence of Yin and Yang achieve a dynamic balance, which is a state of health.

The typical characteristics of Kidney Yang Deficiency are “cold,” often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, aversion to cold, cold extremities, lower back and knee soreness, weakness of muscles and bones, clear and prolonged urination, lower limb edema, and premature graying of hair. The primary principle for treating Kidney Yang Deficiency is to warm and tonify Kidney Yang.

The typical characteristics of Kidney Yin Deficiency are “heat,” often accompanied by symptoms such as lower back and knee soreness, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia with vivid dreams, five-center heat, tidal fever with night sweats, nocturnal emissions, and dry throat with flushed cheeks. The primary principle for treating Kidney Yin Deficiency is to nourish Yin and reduce fire.

There are many TCM formulas for treating Kidney Yang Deficiency and Kidney Yin Deficiency, which will not be elaborated on here.

Typical symptoms of Kidney Yang Deficiency include fatigue, aversion to cold, cold extremities, and premature graying of hair.

Typical symptoms of Kidney Yin Deficiency include lower back and knee soreness, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia with vivid dreams, and five-center heat.

Causes and Main Symptoms of Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency:

【Causes of Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency】: When the body exhibits symptoms of Kidney Yang Deficiency, if we do not promptly and effectively regulate and treat it, and allow it to develop without intervention for an extended period, the previously mentioned “interdependence of Yin and Yang” and “mutual transformation of Yin and Yang” will be affected. When Kidney Yang is continuously depleted to a certain extent, Kidney Yin will be directly impacted, unable to rely on Kidney Yang for transformation, leading to the depletion of essence and Qi in the kidneys, resulting in Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency. Similarly, if Kidney Yin Deficiency is allowed to develop without intervention, when Kidney Yin is depleted to a certain extent, it will also affect Kidney Yang, leading to the development of Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency.

【Symptoms of Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency】: Cold aversion with cold extremities but heat in the palms and soles, curled up and cold aversion but five-center heat, lower back and knee weakness but clear and prolonged urination, dry throat but preference for warm drinks, white coating on the tongue root but restlessness, etc. Symptoms of Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency often present as symptoms of both Kidney Yang Deficiency and Kidney Yin Deficiency.

Having briefly clarified the sources and main symptoms of Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency, let’s look at several commonly used TCM formulas for treating this condition:

① Shēn Róng Wán (Ginseng and Deer Antler Pill)

【Function and Indications】: Nourishes Yin, tonifies the kidneys, benefits essence, and assists Yang. Used for Kidney Deficiency and cold, impotence, nocturnal emissions, lower back and leg soreness, weakness, and deficiency of Qi and blood.

【Main Ingredients】: Red Ginseng (Hóng Shēn), Cooked Rehmannia (Shú Dì Huāng), Morinda Root (Bā Jì Tiān), Dried Tangerine Peel (Chén Pí), Cuscus Grass Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ, roasted), Atractylodes (Bái Zhú, roasted), Chinese Yam (Shān Yào), Honey-fried Astragalus (Zhì Huáng Qí), Poria (Fú Líng), Achyranthes (Niú Xī), Cistanche (Ròu Cōng Róng, prepared), Cinnamon (Ròu Guì), Angelica (Dāng Guī), Goji Berries (Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ), Deer Antler (Lù Róng), Fennel (Xiǎo Huí Xiāng, salted), White Peony (Bái Sháo, wine-fried), and Honey-fried Licorice (Zhì Gān Cǎo).

【Dosage】: Oral administration, 10g/pill, 1 pill at a time, 2 times a day.

Deer Antler Slices and Red Ginseng

② Shēn Róng Sān Biān Wán (Ginseng and Deer Antler Three Whip Pill)

【Function and Indications】: Tonifies the kidneys and assists Yang, benefits Qi and generates essence. Used for insufficient Kidney Yang and deficiency of Kidney Yin leading to impotence, nocturnal emissions, dim vision, fatigue, and weakness in the lower back and knees.

【Main Ingredients】: Epimedium (Yín Yáng Huǒ, roasted), Psoralea (Bǔ Gǔ Zhī, salted), Yangqi Stone (Yáng Qǐ Shí, calcined), Raspberry (Fù Pén Zǐ), Cherry (Jīn Yīng Zǐ), Goji Berries (Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ), Achyranthes (Niú Xī), Deer Antler (Lù Róng), Deer Whip (Lù Biān), Dog Whip (Gǒu Biān), Donkey Whip (Lǘ Biān), Cistanche (Sù Yáng), Chives Seed (Jiǔ Cài Zǐ), Cuscus Grass Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ), Dipsacus (Xù Duàn), Cooked Rehmannia (Shú Dì Huāng), Cornelian Cherry (Dà Qīng Yán), Ginseng (Rén Shēn), Cinnamon (Ròu Guì), Aconite (Fù Zǐ, prepared), Star Anise (Bā Jiāo Huǒ), Eucommia (Dù Zhòng, charred), Atractylodes (Bái Zhú, roasted), Rehmannia (Dì Huāng), Chuanxiong (Chuān Xiōng), and Wood Fragrance (Mù Xiāng).

【Dosage】: Oral administration, 8g/bag, 1 bag at a time, 2 times a day.

Four types of medicinal materials – Dog Whip, Deer Whip, Donkey Whip, and Star Anise

③ Shēn Róng Fú Zhèng Jiāo Náng (Ginseng and Deer Antler Strengthening Capsule)

【Function and Indications】: Supports the body, nourishes Yin, strengthens Yang, detoxifies, and disperses masses. Used for fatigue, dizziness, forgetfulness, insomnia, lower back and knee soreness, impotence, nocturnal emissions, frequent urination at night, and as an adjunctive treatment for cancer radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

【Main Ingredients】: Ginseng (Rén Shēn), Deer Horn Glue (Lù Jiǎo Jiāo), Cooked Rehmannia (Shú Dì Huāng), Goji Berries (Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ), Cistanche (Ròu Cōng Róng), Morinda Root (Bā Jì Tiān), Fenugreek (Hú Lú Bā), Poria (Fú Líng), Sea Buckthorn (Shā Jì), Schisandra (Wǔ Wèi Zǐ), Acanthopanax (Wǔ Jiā Pí), Half-branch Lotus (Bàn Zhī Lián), Eucommia (Dù Zhòng), Achyranthes (Niú Xī), Asparagus (Tiān Dōng), Chinese Yam (Shān Yào), Sour Jujube Seed (Suān Zǎo Rén), Mulberry (Sāng Shèn), Atractylodes (Bái Zhú), and Cat’s Claw (Māo Zhǎo Cǎo).

【Dosage】: Oral administration, 0.35g/tablet, 2-4 tablets at a time, 3 times a day; or as directed by a physician.

Fresh Sea Buckthorn fruit and dried medicinal material Sea Buckthorn

④ Tiān Qǐ Bǔ Shèn Jiāo Náng (Heavenly Qi Kidney Supplement Capsule)

【Function and Indications】: Tonifies the kidneys and assists Yang, fills essence and nourishes marrow. Used for Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency, presenting with lower back and knee weakness, dizziness, tinnitus, and fatigue.

【Main Ingredients】: Seahorse (Hǎi Mǎ), Donkey Kidney (Lǘ Shèn), Dog Kidney (Gǒu Shèn), Epimedium (Yín Yáng Huǒ), Yangqi Stone (Yáng Qǐ Shí), Kidney Tonifying Fat (Bǔ Shèn Zhī), Fairy Grass (Xiān Máo), Cornelian Cherry (Shān Zhū Yú), Morinda Root (Bā Jì Tiān), Cooked Rehmannia (Shú Dì Huāng), Goji Berries (Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ), Mulberry (Sāng Shèn), Cuscus Grass Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ), and Gorgon (Qián Shí).

【Dosage】: Oral administration, 0.4g/tablet, 4 tablets at a time, 3 times a day, taken 30 minutes after meals.

Fresh Mulberry and dried medicinal material Mulberry

⑤ Shēn Róng Bǔ Shèn Piàn (Ginseng and Deer Antler Kidney Supplement Tablets)

【Function and Indications】: Tonifies the kidneys, strengthens Yang, benefits Qi and nourishes blood. Used for Yin and Yang Deficiency, presenting with impotence, coldness, nocturnal emissions, fatigue, and weakness.

【Main Ingredients】: Astragalus (Huáng Qí), Sour Jujube Seed (Suān Zǎo Rén), Schisandra (Wǔ Wèi Zǐ), Acorus (Jiǔ Jiāo), Deer Antler (Lù Róng, hair removed), Sand Ginger (Shā Rén), Alisma (Zé Xiè), Angelica (Dāng Guī), Red Ginseng (Hóng Shēn, hair removed), Cardamom (Dòu Kòu), Fermented Barley (Liù Shén Qū), Magnolia Bark (Hòu Pò, ginger-prepared), Peony Root (Mǔ Dān Pí), Atractylodes (Bái Zhú), Fennel (Xiǎo Huí Xiāng), Yangqi Stone (Yáng Qǐ Shí), Cistanche (Ròu Cōng Róng), Aconite (Fù Zǐ, prepared), Poria (Fú Líng), Cornelian Cherry (Shān Zhū Yú), Seahorse (Hǎi Mǎ), Malt (Mài Yá), Radish Seed (Lái Fú Zǐ), Betel Nut (Bīng Láng), Raspberry (Fù Pén Zǐ), Asparagus (Tiān Dōng), Dog Kidney (Gǒu Shèn), Seaweed Seed (Fēi Cài Zǐ), Psoralea (Bǔ Gǔ Zhī, salted), Ophiopogon (Mài Dōng), Dried Tangerine Peel (Chén Pí), Donkey Kidney (Lǘ Shèn), Achyranthes (Niú Xī), Licorice (Gān Cǎo), Cinnamon (Ròu Guì), Chinese Yam (Shān Yào), Codonopsis (Dāng Shēn), Cuscus Grass Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ), and Goji Berries (Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ).

【Dosage】: Oral administration, 12 tablets/pack, 4-6 tablets at a time, 2 times a day.

Medicinal materials – Yangqi Stone and Fennel

⑥ Hǎi Mǎ Qiáng Shèn Wán (Seahorse Kidney Strengthening Pill)

【Function and Indications】: Tonifies the kidneys, fills essence, and strengthens Yang. Used for impotence and nocturnal emissions caused by Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency, lower back and knee weakness.

【Main Ingredients】: Cooked Rehmannia (Shú Dì Huāng), Fresh Quail Meat (with head, beak, and claws removed), Donkey Kidney (Lǘ Shèn), Dog Kidney (Gǒu Shèn), Deer Tendon (Lù Jīn), Dried Seahorse (Hǎi Mǎ), Aconite (Fù Zǐ, prepared), Cistanche (Ròu Cōng Róng, wine-prepared), Raspberry (Fù Pén Zǐ), Clove (Mǔ Dīng), Epimedium (Yín Yáng Huǒ, prepared), Chinese Yam (Shān Yào), Codonopsis (Dāng Shēn), Walnut (Hé Zi), Psoralea (Bǔ Gǔ Zhī, salted), Fennel (Huǒ Xiāng, salted), Cuscus Grass Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ), and Achyranthes (Niú Xī).

【Dosage】: Oral administration, 9g/pill, 1 pill at a time, 2 times a day, taken with light salt water or boiled water.

Medicinal materials – Seahorse, Gecko, and Dragon Bone illustration

⑦ Jiā Róng Piàn (Jia Rong Tablets)

【Function and Indications】: Nourishes Yin and supports Yang, tonifies the kidneys, and benefits essence. Used for menopausal syndrome with Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency, presenting with heat sensations, sweating, aversion to cold, and lower back and knee weakness.

【Main Ingredients】: Five-leaf Ginseng (Dào Luǎn Yè Wǔ Jiā), Cooked Rehmannia (Shú Dì Huāng), Cinnamon (Ròu Guì), Aconite (Fù Zǐ, prepared), Goji Berries (Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ), Ligustrum (Nǚ Zhēn Zǐ, prepared), Chinese Yam (Shān Yào), Poria (Fú Líng), Cuscus Grass Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ, prepared), Cistanche (Ròu Cōng Róng, prepared), Peony Root (Mǔ Dān Pí), and Alisma (Zé Xiè).

【Dosage】: Oral administration, 0.23g/tablet, 4-5 tablets at a time, 3 times a day.

Illustration of the Cistanche plant, with the right side showing the dried medicinal Cistanche.

⑧ Suǒ Yáng Bǔ Shèn Jiāo Náng (Lock Yang Kidney Supplement Capsule)

【Function and Indications】: Tonifies the kidneys, strengthens Yang, and solidifies essence. Used for impotence, nocturnal emissions, and premature ejaculation caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency.

【Main Ingredients】: Lock Yang (Suǒ Yáng), Fairy Grass (Xiān Máo), Morinda Root (Bā Jì Tiān), Angelica (Dāng Guī), Cnidium (Shé Chuáng Zǐ), Cistanche (Ròu Cōng Róng, steamed), Chives Seed (Jiǔ Cài Zǐ), Schisandra (Wǔ Wèi Zǐ, steamed), Red Ginseng (Hóng Shēn), Bull Whip (Niú Biān, prepared), Dog Kidney (Gǒu Shèn, prepared), Deer Antler (Lù Róng), Black Shun (Hēi Shùn Piàn), Cinnamon (Ròu Guì), Fennel (Xiǎo Huí Xiāng), Yangqi Stone (Yáng Qǐ Shí, calcined), and Flower Pepper (Huā Jiāo).

【Dosage】: Oral administration, 10 capsules/pack, 3-5 capsules at a time, 2-3 times a day.

Illustration of Lock Yang and its growth environment.

⑨ Qiáng Shèn Piàn (Kidney Strengthening Tablets)

【Function and Indications】: Tonifies the kidneys, fills essence, and benefits Qi and strengthens Yang. Used for water retention, lower back pain, nocturnal emissions, impotence, premature ejaculation, and frequent urination at night due to Yin and Yang Deficiency; also for chronic nephritis and persistent pyelonephritis with the above symptoms.

【Main Ingredients】: Deer Antler (Lù Róng), Chinese Yam (Shān Yào), Cornelian Cherry (Shān Zhū Yú), Cooked Rehmannia (Shú Dì Huāng), Goji Berries (Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ), Salvia (Dān Shēn), Psoralea (Bǔ Gǔ Zhī), Peony Root (Mǔ Dān Pí), Mulberry (Sāng Shèn), Motherwort (Yì Mǔ Cǎo), Poria (Fú Líng), Alisma (Zé Xiè), Salt Eucommia (Yán Dù Zhòng), and Ginseng Stem and Leaf Saponins.

【Dosage】: Oral administration, 0.63g/tablet, 2-3 tablets at a time, 3 times a day, with dosage adjusted for children.

Illustration of various ginsenosides.

⑩ Bǔ Shèn Wán (Kidney Supplement Pill)

【Function and Indications】: Tonifies the kidneys and strengthens the body. Used for fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, and tinnitus.

【Main Ingredients】: Ingredients include bull testicles, horse testicles, sheep testicles, deer whip, donkey whip, hand ginseng, Polygonatum (Huáng Jīng), and Goji Berries (Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ).

【Dosage】: Oral administration, 9g/pill, 1 pill at a time, 1 time a day, taken before bed with water.

Illustration of hand ginseng and Polygonatum.

⑪ Shēn Róng Biān Wán (Ginseng and Deer Antler Whip Pill)

【Function and Indications】: Tonifies the kidneys, strengthens Yang, and increases essence. Used for decreased libido, Kidney Deficiency, weakness, impotence, premature ejaculation, and all kidney diseases in both men and women.

【Main Ingredients】: Deer Antler (Lù Róng), Morinda Root (Bā Jì Tiān), Cuscus Grass Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ, roasted), Yangqi Stone (Yáng Qǐ Shí, calcined), Black Shun (Hēi Shùn Piàn), Sand Ginger (Shā Rén), Earthworm (Dì Gǔ Pí), Licorice (Gān Cǎo), Dried Quail (Jiā Què), Epimedium (Yín Yáng Huǒ, prepared), Lock Yang (Suǒ Yáng), Psoralea (Bǔ Gǔ Zhī, salted), Goji Berries (Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ), Cinnamon (Ròu Guì), Cooked Rehmannia (Shú Dì Huāng), Calcined Stone (Shí Yàn, calcined), and Eucommia (Dù Zhòng, charred).

【Dosage】: Oral administration, small pills of 10 pieces, 2 times a day, taken with light salt water or boiled water.

Illustration of Stone and its medicinal properties.

Stone is a fossil of various closely related animals from the ancient class of brachiopods, such as the Chinese bow stone and bow stone. It has a sweet and salty taste, and is cool in nature. It belongs to the Kidney and Bladder meridians. It has the effect of eliminating damp heat, promoting urination, and clearing eye obstructions. It is commonly used to treat gonorrhea, urinary obstruction, leukorrhea, hematuria, pediatric malnutrition, intestinal wind, hemorrhoids, and eye obstructions.

⑫ Bǔ Shèn Qiáng Shēn Piàn (Kidney Strengthening Tablets)

【Function and Indications】: Tonifies the kidneys and strengthens the body. Used for lower back weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and tinnitus.

【Main Ingredients】: Epimedium (Yín Yáng Huǒ), Cuscus Grass Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ), Cherry (Jīn Yīng Zǐ), Ligustrum (Nǚ Zhēn Zǐ), and Dog Spine (Gǒu Jǐ, prepared).

【Dosage】: Oral administration, 0.28g/tablet, 5 tablets at a time, 3 times a day.

Illustration of Dog Spine and its medicinal properties.

⑬ Yāo Tòng Piàn (Lower Back Pain Tablets)

【Function and Indications】: Strengthens the lower back, tonifies the kidneys, and alleviates pain. Used for lower back pain due to Kidney Deficiency and muscle strain.

【Main Ingredients】: Eucommia Leaves (Dù Zhòng Yè, salted), Dipsacus (Xù Duàn), Dog Spine (Gǒu Jǐ, prepared), Achyranthes (Niú Xī), Psoralea (Bǔ Gǔ Zhī, salted), Earthworm (Dì Gǔ Chóng, wine-prepared), Frankincense (Rǔ Xiāng, prepared), Red Peony (Chì Sháo), Angelica (Dāng Guī), Cinnamon (Ròu Guì), Alisma (Zé Xiè), and Atractylodes (Bái Zhú, roasted).

【Dosage】: Taken with salt water, 0.3g/tablet, 6 tablets at a time, 3 times a day.

Illustration of Frankincense and Earthworm.

⑭ Yáng Chūn Kǒu Fú Yè (Yang Chun Oral Liquid)

【Function and Indications】: Tonifies the kidneys, generates essence, and benefits the brain. Used for insomnia and forgetfulness, and lower back pain due to Kidney Deficiency.

【Main Ingredients】: The main ingredients are Ginseng (Rén Shēn), Deer Antler (Lù Róng), Epimedium (Yín Yáng Huǒ, roasted), Cuscus Grass Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ), Cornelian Cherry (Shān Zhū Yú, wine-prepared), Yangqi Stone (Yáng Qǐ Shí), and Black Chicken (Wū Jī, hair, claws, and intestines removed).

【Dosage】: Oral administration, 10ml (1 vial) at a time, 3 times a day. If there is a small amount of sediment, shake before use.

Illustration of Yangqi Stone.

Yangqi Stone is a silicate mineral from the amphibole group, with a salty taste and warm nature. It belongs to the Kidney meridian. It has the effect of warming the kidneys and strengthening Yang. It is primarily used to treat Kidney Yang Deficiency, cold and numbness in the lower back and knees, impotence, nocturnal emissions, female infertility, and other related conditions.

⑮ Guī Lù Bǔ Shèn Piàn (Tortoise and Deer Kidney Supplement Tablets)

【Function and Indications】: Strengthens bones, benefits Qi and blood, and tonifies the kidneys and strengthens Yang. Used for physical weakness, fatigue, lower back and leg soreness, dizziness, coldness in the kidneys, decreased libido, frequent urination at night, and forgetfulness and insomnia.

【Main Ingredients】: Cuscus Grass Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ, roasted), Epimedium (Yín Yáng Huǒ, steamed), Dipsacus (Xù Duàn, steamed), Lock Yang (Suǒ Yáng, steamed), Sour Jujube Seed (Suān Zǎo Rén, roasted), Prepared Polygonum (Zhì Hé Shǒu Wū), Honey-fried Licorice (Zhì Gān Cǎo), Dried Tangerine Peel (Chén Pí, steamed), Deer Horn Glue (Lù Jiǎo Jiāo, roasted), Cooked Rehmannia (Shú Dì Huāng), Tortoise Shell Glue (Guī Jiǎ Jiāo, roasted), Cornelian Cherry (Jīn Yīng Zǐ, steamed), Honey-fried Astragalus (Mì Huáng Qí), Chinese Yam (Shān Yào, roasted), and Raspberry (Fù Pén Zǐ, steamed).

【Dosage】: Oral administration, 0.41g/tablet, 2-4 tablets at a time, 2 times a day.

Illustration of Tortoise Shell Glue and Dipsacus.

Many people often message me, warning me not to make spelling mistakes, saying I always write “zhèng” as “zhèng”. Today, I would like to address this issue:

“Zhèng” and “zhèng” refer to completely different concepts in TCM:

“Zhèng” refers to the syndrome, which is a comprehensive description of the disease’s development stage, including the cause, mechanism, affected area, nature of the disease, and the comparative strength of the pathogenic and healthy forces. For example, syndromes like Spleen and Stomach Deficiency, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis, Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency, etc., all fall under the category of “zhèng”.

“Zhèng” refers to symptoms, which are the external manifestations of the body’s response to the disease and the subjective feelings of discomfort, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, painful urination, cough, aversion to cold, etc.

In simple terms, “zhèng” is determined by TCM practitioners through observation, inquiry, and examination in conjunction with your actual situation; “zhèng” is what you can feel as discomfort.

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