Yang Qi has a warming effect, capable of warming the body’s organs and limbs; it also has a protective function, as “Yang guards the exterior and provides stability.”
When Yang Qi is insufficient, the body’s ability to promote blood and body fluids slows down, leading to phlegm-dampness and blood stasis. The entanglement of phlegm and stasis can result in tumors. Therefore, Yang Zhong (Chief Physician) from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that Yang deficiency is not a minor issue; severe cases can lead to cancer, such as pancreatic cancer and gastrointestinal tumors.
Four Major Symptoms of Yang Deficiency for Your Reference:
1. Sensitivity to Cold
Insufficient Yang Qi leads to a decreased ability to warm the body, resulting in symptoms of cold sensitivity. This cold can be alleviated, and there are no fever symptoms.
2. Lower Back Pain
Yang Qi acts like an “engine”; only when Yang Qi is sufficient can the functions of various organs operate normally. If Kidney Yang is insufficient, the ability to produce marrow from bones will be compromised, leading to a state of weakness in the lower back and knees.
3. Abdominal Distension
The functions of the Spleen and Stomach rely on Yang Qi for operation. If Spleen Yang is insufficient, the transport capacity is impaired, causing ingested food to stagnate in the abdomen, resulting in symptoms of indigestion and abdominal distension.
4. Low Mood
The Heart governs the spirit; our judgment of things relies on Heart Yang for discernment. When Heart Yang is normal, the consciousness and thoughts of the five organs can maintain normalcy. If Heart Yang is insufficient, judgment ability declines, leading to low mood and lack of energy.
After Forty, Yang is Halved. For normal individuals, upon reaching forty years of age, even without bad habits, the body’s Yang Qi generally becomes insufficient. Therefore, generating and tonifying Yang has always been a timeless focus of health preservation, as “When Yang Qi is sufficient, one can live for a thousand years!”
Today, I will share a few simple yet effective methods to generate and tonify Yang; the principles are simple!
Back Bumping
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that “the back is Yang, and the abdomen is Yin.”
The central line of the human back is where the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) runs; the Du Mai is the sea of Yang vessels in the body. On either side of the Du Mai are the Bladder meridians, which are also places where Yang Qi accumulates.
Method: Stand about two fist distances from the wall and gently bump your upper back against it; you can also use the side of your shoulder to bump against the wall.
Ear Rubbing
In TCM, the ear is viewed as an inverted infant, containing information about the entire body. Rubbing the ears can mobilize the essence and Yang Qi of the five organs.
Moreover, ear rubbing is particularly suitable for individuals with stasis constitution; softening and warming the ears can unblock bodily stasis, treat diseases, and improve mood.
Method: Use your index and middle fingers to pinch the entire ear, then rub up and down 20-30 times daily. Then, use your thumb and index finger to pull the ear tip upwards and the earlobe downwards.
Moxibustion
“Yang Qi is like the heavens and the sun; if lost, it leads to shortened life and lack of manifestation.”
In our postnatal life, we easily deplete our true Yang, which directly affects longevity and health. However, we have moxibustion, which is the best method to restore, assist, and tonify Yang, and it is a relatively quick approach.
As summer transitions to autumn, this is the best time of the year for moxibustion at the Guanyuan (Conception Vessel 4) point; the more vigorous, the better, as this is the time for longevity and health enhancement. Traditional literature suggests performing moxibustion at this time to strengthen the body and bones and effectively prevent various diseases caused by seasonal changes.
From another perspective, “Nourishing Yin in Autumn and Winter” means nourishing the hidden Yang, which is the nurturing of the Shaoyin fire. Which acupoint has such an effect? Guanyuan is the best. This acupoint is located between the perineum and the navel, which is the territory of Shaoyin Yuan Qi and the lower Dantian. Moxibustion at the Guanyuan point can strengthen the kidneys, stabilize the foundation, regulate Qi, and restore Yang, ensuring sufficient Yuan Qi, thus alleviating deficiencies and enhancing overall vitality, making it a key point for health preservation throughout history.
The “Jingyue Quanshu” states: “Deficiency can receive heat, so supplementation must also be warming.” Therefore, moxibustion at Guanyuan is to nourish the hidden Yang Qi of Shaoyin.
Emotional Regulation
Joy Generates Yang—A joyful mood is beneficial for the generation of Yang Qi, so adjusting one’s mindset and maintaining a cheerful disposition is also an important method to aid treatment.
Movement Generates Yang—One must stay active to effectively generate Yang Qi and promote circulation. Appropriate exercise, persistence, and enjoyment surpass many tonics.
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