What Are Signs & Symptoms of a 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

What Causes a Yin Deficiency?

• 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)

Types of Yin Deficiency:

• kidney yin deficiency

• liver yin deficiency

• lung yin deficiency

How to Treat a Yin Deficiency?

LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS:

→ 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.

→ 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.

→ 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.

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

DIET + NUTRITION

→ Dietary Adjustments: Avoid heavy, highly processed or spicy foods, which can deplete yin. Incorporate more of the foods listed below.

What Foods are Best for Treating a 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
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*Meat is not used in any of our recipes, however, these animal products can be added to any recipe. ​