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Yin Deficiency

Yin and yang are two complementary, yet opposing forces that make up the whole of every organism, and all aspects of life. When both are in harmony, there is balance. Within our bodies, when our more cooling & nourishing “yin” functions are deficient, we may experience symptoms that are warm or dry in nature, like night sweats or a dry throat.

Try: YIN-VIGORATE Recipes

Yin and yang are foundational concepts in traditional Chinese medicine that help to explain the balance of all things. “Yin” denotes Earth energy, and is considered more feminine in nature. It is associated with rest, nourishment, stillness, receptivity, coolness, etc., as opposed to the more warm and action-oriented nature of “yang.”

 

All things contain both yin and yang, including our bodies. When we experience a yin deficiency - that is, when we lack sufficient “yin” to balance out the nature of “yang” within our bodies - this means that we lack sufficient hydration and nutrients to nourish our blood and kidneys, resulting in symptoms of heat and/or dryness. 

 

An example would be a person who is chronically ill and undergoing treatment that might be exhaustive to their internal organs and systems. Over time, if they are not nourishing their more yin (cooling and hydrating systems) through diet, supplementation, and adequate rest, they will become out of balance, experiencing manifestations of internal heat and dehydration, like dry mouth, dry skin, brittle hair, feeling hot, skin rashes, or even cognitive and memory issues.

 

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. ​

  • consuming too many warming/dehydrating beverages, like coffee and alcohol, over a long time

  • taking long-term medications that affect the kidneys and/or liver

  • high-intensity exercise or long-distance running done over an extended period without sufficient replenishment

  • postpartum depletion

  • menopause

  • chronic stress or overexertion, without proper rest/replenishment 

  • long-term plasma donations

  • chronic illness

  • aging (yin naturally declines)

What is Yin Deficiency in Chinese Medicine?

What Causes Yin Deficiency?

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Yin Deficiency?

  • ache in the bones
  • anxiety
  • constipation / dry stools
  • cracks in tongue
  • depression
  • dizziness / vertigo
  • dry cough
  • dryness (dry throat, mouth, lips, eyes, skin)
  • feeling warm, especially in the afternoon and evening
  • hard of hearing
  • hot flashes
  • hot palms, soles and chest
  • infertility
  • insomnia
  • irritability
  • knee pain
  • lassitude
  • low-grade fever
  • low backache
  • night sweating
  • nocturnal emissions
  • palpitations
  • poor memory
  • premature ejaculation
  • red face
  • scanty period
  • scanty, dark urine
  • thirst (with a desire to drink in small sips)
  • tinnitus
  • vivid dreams or nightmares

Which Organ Systems Can Be Affected by Yin Deficiency?

The Kidneys, Lungs and Liver can all develop patterns of yin deficiency. Keep in mind that Eastern medicine looks at the body in a much different way than Western medicine, and the organs affected can be determined through tools such as reading the pulse and looking at the surface of the tongue. It's helpful to visit a licensed, NCCAOM-certified acupuncturist, who can help you to pinpoint your specific areas of imbalance and provide a more customized treatment plan. ​

How Can I Treat Yin Deficiency?

Besides acupuncture, herbal medicine and dietary adjustments, the following are helpful to take into consideration:

1. Diet & Nutrition: Avoid heavy, highly processed or spicy foods, which can deplete yin. Incorporate more of the foods listed below.

2. Adequate Rest: Stress and overworking are incredibly depleting to the body. Rest is one of the best ways to replenish. Think in terms of proportions; if your stress is higher than usual, then more rest is going to help you stay balanced. Also, getting adequate sleep every night (7-8 hours) is imperative. If you struggle with insomnia, try acupuncture! We also like this melatonin. 

3. Hydration: Make sure to hydrate sufficiently, especially during summer or while in warmer climates. Besides water, herbal teas, soups, and hydrating fruits and veggies are beneficial.

4. Stress Management: It's easy to become restless and mentally scattered in cases of yin deficiency. Practicing mindfulness, meditation or yoga can be incredibly grounding and replenishing for yin.

5. Keeping Feet Warm: Wearing socks and utilizing regular herbal foot soaks can warm the kidney meridians in the ankle to nourish yin. 

What Foods are Best for Treating Yin Deficiency?

Vegetables:   
artichokes, asparagus, carrots, cauliflower, kelp, mung bean sprouts, peas, potatoes, seaweed, string beans, squash, yams, zucchini

Fruit: 
apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, goji berries, lemons, mangos, pears, persimmons, pineapple, pomegranate, tomatoes, watermelon

Grains:
amaranth, buckwheat, flaxseed, millet

Nuts & Seeds:
black sesame seeds, walnuts

Beans & Legumes:
black beans, kidney beans, lima beans, mung beans, tofu

Herbs & Spices: 
American ginseng, honey

Beverages & More:
coconut milk, royal jelly

Animal Protein*:
clams, cow's milk, crab, duck, eggs, goat cheese, oysters, pork kidney, rabbit, ricotta cheese, sardines
​
*Meat is not used in any of our recipes, however, these animal products can be added to any recipe. ​

Try our YIN-VIGORATE Recipes

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