What is deficiency? It means weakness.
Yang deficiency indicates weak fire, while Yin deficiency indicates weak water. So, what exactly are Yang and Yin in the human body?
When people consume food and inhale oxygen, through the biological transformation in the gastrointestinal tract, energy is produced. This energy is the fire of the human body, the life fire, which represents the Yang Qi of the body. What is Yin, what is water? This water refers to blood and bodily fluids.
If a person has insufficient Yang Qi, they will have poor metabolism, experience heaviness, gain weight, have a swollen tongue, and have unformed stools; conversely, if a person has insufficient Yin Qi, they will appear very thin and easily experience dry mouth and constipation.
Generally speaking, overweight individuals tend to have Yang deficiency, while thin individuals tend to have Yin deficiency.
Any internal changes in the body will have external manifestations, which can be assessed through the following self-reported symptoms.
01Yin Deficiency Leads to Internal Heat
Typical manifestations of Yin deficiency leading to internal heat include: five hearts heat (palms, soles, chest), thirst and dry throat, preference for cold drinks, flushed complexion, insomnia with vivid dreams, night sweats, constipation, short and red urine, and a thin red tongue, etc.
02Yang Deficiency Leads to Cold
Typical symptoms of Yang deficiency leading to cold include: cold hands and feet, preference for hot drinks, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, hair loss, loose stools, clear and frequent urination, pale complexion, pale lips, a pale tongue with no coating, reluctance to speak or move, fatigue, and drowsiness, etc.
Additionally, Yin deficiency is not exclusive to women; men can also exhibit symptoms of Yin deficiency. Similarly, Yang deficiency is not exclusive to men; women can also show symptoms of Yang deficiency.
The methods for regulating Yin and Yang deficiency are actually found in the details of daily life.
03Quickly Distinguishing Between Yin Deficiency and Yang Deficiency?①Observe the Tongue
For Yin deficiency, the tongue is red, thin, with little and thin coating; for Yang deficiency, the tongue is pale and tender, plump, with a white and thick coating.
② Observe the Spirit
Yin deficiency individuals are restless and irritable, prone to anger; Yang deficiency individuals fear cold, have cold limbs, shortness of breath, are depressed and unhappy, fatigued, and prone to crying.
③ Observe Cold and Heat
Yin deficiency individuals fear heat, sweat profusely, and have warm palms; Yang deficiency individuals fear cold, sweat coolly, and have cold hands and feet.
④ Observe Pain
Yin deficiency individuals experience dull lower back pain; Yang deficiency individuals have cold pain in the lower back that worsens with cold.
⑤ Observe Complexion
Yin deficiency individuals have red cheeks and a purplish hue around the eyes; Yang deficiency individuals have a pale and dull complexion.
After reviewing these symptoms, some practitioners may feel confused, thinking they exhibit symptoms of both Yin and Yang deficiency. What does this mean?
Today, we will clarify that if you feel you have symptoms of both sides, you may be facing a more complex issue known as both Yin and Yang deficiency!
04How to Regulate Yin Deficiency?
When experiencing Yin deficiency, you can regulate through the following aspects:
Diet:Consume more sweet and cooling foods, such as sesame, lily bulb, honey, tofu, and pear; you can also use herbs like Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Yu Zhu (Polygonatum), Shi Hu (Dendrobium), Sha Shen (Glehnia), Huang Jing (Polygonatum), Bai Zi Ren (Platycladus), and Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) to make soups or teas; drink 6-8 cups of water daily (about 1200ml), preferably warm water, and limit cold drinks.
Daily Routine:Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep, going to bed before 11 PM.
Emotional Well-being:Try to remain calm and composed in challenging situations, and express negative emotions in a timely manner.
05How to Regulate Yang Deficiency?
When experiencing Yang deficiency, you can regulate as follows:
Diet:Eat more warming and tonifying foods, such as pepper, lamb, ginger, leeks, and longan, and limit green tea and cold drinks.
Additionally, you can use herbs like Ba Ji Tian (Morinda Root), Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries), Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche), and Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) to make soups or teas.
Daily Routine:Take a 20-minute nap; get plenty of sunlight for 15-20 minutes each time, preferably on your back, and consider sauna or hot spring baths. Also, keep your head, back, abdomen, and joints warm.
Emotional Well-being:When feeling down, talk to friends, listen to uplifting music, or travel to relieve low spirits.
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