The basic content of the Yin-Yang theory includes the opposition and restriction of Yin and Yang, mutual generation, balance of growth and decline, and mutual transformation.
To understand the dual deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang, 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 books for further understanding. The basic content of the Yin-Yang theory includes the opposition and restriction of Yin and Yang, mutual generation, balance of growth and decline, and mutual transformation. In this article, we will briefly look at the mutual transformation and mutual generation 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).
Mutual generation means that “Yang is born from Yin, and Yin is born from Yang.” Yin and Yang are interdependent; neither can exist independently (the loss of Yang or Yin is a critical condition).
Yin and Yang must depend on each other to form a complete life. Isolated Yin or Yang cannot exist independently.
After understanding the mutual transformation and mutual generation of Yin and Yang, let’s return to the dual deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang:
Most people know that Kidney deficiency can be categorized into Kidney Yin deficiency and Kidney Yang deficiency, but few have heard of the syndrome of dual deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang. Yes, you read that correctly; in addition to the two common types of Yin deficiency and Yang deficiency, there is also the syndrome of dual deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang.
A simple diagram illustrating Kidney Yin deficiency, Kidney Yang deficiency, and dual deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang.
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 states when deficient. In the diagram, blue represents Kidney Yin, and red represents Kidney Yang:
Figure 1: Both Kidney Yin and 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 Yang are not full, both have depletion, and are below normal states, presenting symptoms of dual deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang.
Of course, this diagram is just a very simple illustration aimed at helping 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 is born from Yin, and Yin is born from Yang; Yin can transform into Yang, and Yang can transform into Yin. The mutual transformation and mutual generation 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 limbs, soreness in the lower back and knees, soft muscles and bones, clear and frequent 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 soreness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia with vivid dreams, five hearts heat, tidal fever with night sweats, nocturnal emissions, and dry throat with red 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 limbs, and premature graying of hair.
Typical symptoms of Kidney Yin deficiency include soreness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, insomnia with vivid dreams, and five hearts heat.
Causes and Main Symptoms of Dual Deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang:
【Causes of Dual Deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang】: When the body exhibits symptoms of Kidney Yang deficiency, if we do not timely and effectively regulate and treat it, and allow it to develop without intervention for an extended period, the previously mentioned “mutual generation 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 affected, unable to rely on Kidney Yang for transformation, leading to depletion of essence and Qi in the kidneys, which ultimately evolves into the syndrome of dual deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang. Similarly, if we allow Kidney Yin deficiency to develop without intervention, when Kidney Yin is depleted to a certain extent, it will also affect Kidney Yang, similarly leading to the syndrome of dual deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang.
【Symptoms of Dual Deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang】: Cold limbs but hot palms and soles, curled up and afraid of cold but with five hearts heat, soreness in the lower back and knees but clear and frequent urination, dry throat but a preference for warm drinks, white coating on the tongue root but restlessness, etc. The symptoms of dual deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang often present as symptoms of both Kidney Yang deficiency and Kidney Yin deficiency.
Having briefly clarified the sources and main symptoms of dual deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang, 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, soreness in the lower back and legs, 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), Cuscuta 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), Honey-fried Licorice (Zhì Gān Cǎo).
【Dosage】: Oral, 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, 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 (Ròu Cōng Róng), Chives (Jiǔ Cài Zǐ), Cuscuta Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ), Dipsacus (Xù Duàn), Cooked Rehmannia (Shú Dì Huāng), Big Blue Salt (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), Wood Fragrance (Mù Xiāng).
【Dosage】: Oral, 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 righteous Qi, nourishes Yin, strengthens Yang, detoxifies, and disperses masses. Used for fatigue, dizziness, forgetfulness, insomnia, soreness in the lower back and knees, 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), Five-leaf Ginseng (Wǔ Jiā Pí), Dipsacus (Xù Duàn), Achyranthes (Niú Xī), Asparagus (Tiān Dōng), Chinese Yam (Shān Yào), Sour Jujube Seed (Suān Zǎo Rén), Mulberry (Sāng Shèn), Atractylodes (Bái Zhú), Cat’s Claw (Māo Zhǎo Cǎo).
【Dosage】: Oral, 0.35g/pill, 2-4 pills at a time, 3 times a day; or as directed by a physician.
Fresh Sea Buckthorn Fruit and Dried Sea Buckthorn Medicinal Material
④ Tiān Qī Bǔ Shèn Jiāo Náng (Heavenly Qi Kidney Supplement Capsule)
【Function and Indications】: Tonifies the kidneys, assists Yang, fills essence, and benefits marrow. Used for dual deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang, presenting with soreness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, and fatigue.
【Main Ingredients】: Seahorse (Hǎi Mǎ), Donkey Kidney (Lǘ Shèn), Dog Kidney (Gǒu Shèn), Epimedium (Yín Yáng Huǒ), Yangqi Stone (Yáng Qǐ Shí, calcined), 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), Cuscuta Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ), Ginkgo (Bái Guǒ), Chives (Jiǔ Cài Zǐ).
【Dosage】: Oral, 0.4g/pill, 4 pills at a time, 3 times a day, taken 30 minutes after meals.
Fresh Mulberry and Dried Mulberry Medicinal Material
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 dual deficiency of Yin and Yang, 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), Six God Ferment (Liù Shén Qū), Magnolia Bark (Hòu Pò, ginger-prepared), Peony Root (Mǔ Dān Pí), Atractylodes (Bái Zhú), Fennel (Xiǎo Huí Xiāng), Big Blue Salt (Dà Qīng Yán), Yuan Zhi (Yuán Zhī), Hawthorn (Shān Zhā), Dried Ginger (Gān Jiāng), Bitter Orange (Zhǐ Qiào), Yangqi Stone (Yáng Qǐ Shí), Cistanche (Ròu Cōng Róng), Aconite (Fù Zǐ, prepared), Poria (Fú Líng), Cornelian Cherry (Shān Zhū Yú), Donkey Kidney (Lǘ Shèn), Cat’s Claw (Māo Zhǎo Cǎo), Dipsacus (Xù Duàn), Goji Berries (Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ), Chuanxiong (Chuān Xiōng).
【Dosage】: Oral, 12 tablets/pack, 4-6 tablets at a time, 2 times a day.
Medicinal Materials – Big Blue Salt and Fennel
⑥ Hǎi Mǎ Qiáng Shèn Wán (Seahorse Strong Kidney Pill)
【Function and Indications】: Tonifies the kidneys, fills essence, and strengthens Yang. Used for impotence and nocturnal emissions caused by dual deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang, as well as soreness in the lower back and knees.
【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), Ginseng (Rén Shēn), Deer Antler (Lù Róng), Astragalus (Huáng Qí), Dragon Bone (Lóng Gǔ, calcined), Seahorse (Hǎi Mǎ), Sea Worm (Hǎi Wū), Dog Spine (Gǒu Jǐ), Cinnamon (Ròu Guì), Licorice (Gān Cǎo), Gecko (Hé Jiā), and Deer Whip (Lù Biān).
【Dosage】: Oral, 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
⑦ Jiā Róng Piàn (Jia Rong Tablets)
【Function and Indications】: Nourishes Yin, supports Yang, tonifies the kidneys, and benefits essence. Used for menopausal syndrome with dual deficiency of Kidney Yin and Yang, presenting with hot flashes, sweating, aversion to cold, and soreness in the lower back and knees.
【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), Cuscuta Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ, prepared), Cistanche (Ròu Cōng Róng, prepared), Peony Root (Mǔ Dān Pí), Alisma (Zé Xiè).
【Dosage】: Oral, 0.23g/pill, 4-5 pills 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, fills essence, and stabilizes the true 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 (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), Pepper (Huā Jiāo), Cuscuta Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ), and Dipsacus (Xù Duàn, salted and fried).
【Dosage】: Oral, 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 (Strong Kidney Tablets)
【Function and Indications】: Tonifies the kidneys, fills essence, and benefits Qi. Used for water retention, lower back pain, nocturnal emissions, impotence, premature ejaculation, and frequent urination at night caused by dual deficiency of Yin and Yang; 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), Ginseng (Rén Shēn) stem and leaf total saponins.
【Dosage】: Oral, 0.63g/pill, 2-3 pills at a time, 3 times a day, dosage for children to be reduced.
Illustration of several ginsenoside structures.
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, ginseng, yellow essence, goji berries, and licorice.
【Dosage】: Oral, 9g/pill, 1 pill at a time, 1 time a day, taken before bed with water.
Illustration of ginseng and yellow essence.
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), Cuscuta 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), Big Blue Salt (Dà Qīng Yán), Dog Whip (Gǒu Biān, prepared), and Red Ginseng (Hóng Shēn, hair removed).
【Dosage】: Oral, small pills, 10 pills at a time, 2 times a day, taken with light salt water or boiled water.
Illustration of the stone swallow medicinal material.
Stone swallow is a fossil of various closely related animals from the ancient class of bivalves, such as the Chinese bow stone swallow and other similar animals. 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, childhood malnutrition, intestinal wind, hemorrhoids, and eye obstructions.
⑫ Bǔ Shèn Qiáng Shēn Piàn (Kidney Supplement and Strengthening Tablets)
【Function and Indications】: Tonifies the kidneys and strengthens the body. Used for soreness in the lower back and legs, dizziness, and tinnitus.
【Main Ingredients】: Epimedium (Yín Yáng Huǒ), Cuscuta Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ), Cherry (Jīn Yīng Zǐ), Ligustrum (Nǚ Zhēn Zǐ), Dog Spine (Gǒu Jǐ, prepared).
【Dosage】: Oral, 0.28g/pill, 5 pills at a time, 3 times a day.
Illustration of the original plant and slices of Dog Spine.
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 and fried), Dipsacus (Xù Duàn), Dog Spine (Gǒu Jǐ, prepared), Achyranthes (Niú Xī), Psoralea (Bǔ Gǔ Zhī, salted and fried), Earthworm (Dì Gǔ Chóng, wine-fried), Frankincense (Rù Xiāng, prepared), Red Peony (Chì Sháo), Angelica (Dāng Guī), Cinnamon (Ròu Guì), Alisma (Zé Xiè), Atractylodes (Bái Zhú, roasted).
【Dosage】: Take with salt water, 0.3g/pill, 6 pills 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 due to Kidney deficiency.
【Main Ingredients】: The main ingredients are Ginseng (Rén Shēn), Deer Antler (Lù Róng), Epimedium (Yín Yáng Huǒ, roasted), Cuscuta Seed (Tú Sī Zǐ), Cornelian Cherry (Shān Zhū Yú, wine-roasted), Yangqi Stone (Yáng Qǐ Shí), Black Chicken (Wū Jī, hair, claws, and intestines removed).
【Dosage】: Oral, 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 medicinal material.
Yangqi Stone is a silicate mineral from the amphibole family, 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, coldness 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, soreness in the lower back and legs, dizziness, coldness in the kidneys, decreased libido, frequent urination at night, and forgetfulness and insomnia.
【Main Ingredients】: Cuscuta 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 (Shān Zhū Yú, steamed), Honey-fried Astragalus (Mì Huáng Qí), Chinese Yam (Shān Yào, roasted), Raspberry (Fù Pén Zǐ, steamed).
【Dosage】: Oral, 0.41g/pill, 2-4 pills 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 respond to this matter:
“Zhèng” and “zhèng” refer to completely different concepts in TCM theory:
“Zhèng” refers to the syndrome, which is a comprehensive description of the cause, mechanism, affected area, nature of the disease, and the comparative strength of the pathogenic and righteous Qi during the development stage of the disease. 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 syndromes.
“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, yellow urine, cough, shortness of breath, aversion to cold, etc.
In simple terms, “zhèng” needs to be diagnosed by a TCM practitioner through observation, inquiry, and pulse diagnosis in conjunction with your actual condition; “zhèng” is what you can feel as discomfort.
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