Explore the Patterns

qi stagnation
qi deficiency
blood deficiency
yin deficiency
dampness + phlegm
yang deficiency
excess heat

What is a Yin Deficiency?

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.

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.

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