Explore the Patterns

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What is a Yang Deficiency?

Yin and yang are foundational concepts in traditional Chinese medicine that help to explain the balance of all things. “Yang” denotes Fire energy, and is considered more masculine in nature. It is associated with action, movement, growth, expansion, heat, etc., as opposed to the more cooling and replenishing nature of “yin.”

All things contain both yin and yang, including our bodies. When we lack sufficient “yang” to balance out the nature of “yin” within our bodies, we lack the elements responsible for warming and activating the body and its functions, resulting in symptoms of cold, stagnation and poor energy. Diet often plays a part in yang deficiency, when a person repeatedly consumes “cold” food or drinks, extinguishing the body’s warming functions. Over time, this can affect metabolism, and lead to patterns of dampness & phlegm, as well.

An example would be a person who has become exhausted by prolonged overwork, and who often eats cold, raw foods, like salads, and drinks iced beverages. Over time, a yang deficiency occurs, resulting in symptoms where they may feel cold easily, have cold limbs, poor circulation, low energy, and low libido.

From a Western understanding, yin and yang are very much related to our hormone balance, as well as our kidney health and overall fluid balance.

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What Are Signs & Symptoms of a Yang Deficiency?

apathy
aversion to cold
bags under eyes
clear & frequent urine (especially at night)
cold limbs
depression
edema of the legs
feeling cold easily
impotence
infertility
knee/leg pain (worse in cold weather)
lack of thirst
lassitude

lethargy
loose stool
loss of confidence
low libido
low motivation
low sperm count
low backache (worse in cold weather)
preference for warmth
premature ejaculation
puffiness or being overweight
sensation of cold in lower back
sweating without exertion
weak legs/knees

What Causes a Yang Deficiency?

being too sedentary on a daily basis
consuming too many cold, raw or iced foods or drinks
relying heavily on stimulants, which eventually depletes the body’s ability to generate yang energy
not having goals or things that give you a sense of purpose in life
excessive amounts of sex, or, inversely, experiencing sexual rejection or trauma
overexertion, without proper rest/replenishment
long-term exposure to cold weather, without appropriate coverage
intermittent fasting, when the adrenals are already stressed or depleted (especially risky for women)
childbirth and postpartum depression
being excessively fearful (chronically)

Types of Yang Deficiency:

kidney yang deficiency
liver yang deficiency
heart yang deficiency
lung yang deficiency
spleen yang deficiency

How to Treat a Yang Deficiency?

LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS:

→ Exercise & Movement: Movement generates friction in the body, which invigorates heat and circulation. Starting with more gentle, low-impact cardio like walking or hiking can help the body to feel more motivated physically. If the yang deficiency is a result of too much exercise or overburdening/exhausting the body to depletion, then more rest paired with gentle, slow exercises, like yoga, tai chi, or qi gong, can help in recovery.

→ Sunshine: Morning or late afternoon sun is one of the simplest ways to boost your yang energy. Soaking in fortifying rays of sunlight for just 10 minutes helps with the production of vitamin D3, an essential nutrient that supports our energy, immune systems and more.

→ Moxibustion: This is a tool in traditional Chinese medicine where an herb called mugwort is burned over specific points to warm and nourish the body, producing more yang energy.

→ Warmth: Warm baths (including mugwort baths), hot stones, and warm surroundings are all beneficial in warming the "cold" of a yang deficiency.

DIET + NUTRITION

→ Supplementation: Certain supplements can aid a yang deficiency. It's best to consult a holistic healthcare provider, like an acupuncturist, naturopath or functional medicine doctor to determine if you have any nutrient deficiencies, like vitamin D. We like Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3.

→ Dietary Adjustments: It's important to avoid cold and raw foods and iced beverages. This includes salads, smoothies, and foods taken from the fridge or freezer, all of which can be harder on the body to digest. Also avoid foods and beverages that are heavy, oily, or may disrupt digestion, like refined sugars, fried foods and excessive dairy. Instead opt for warm and nourishing foods and spices, like those listed below.