What should I do for kidney yang deficiency?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory is profound and extensive. In classical TCM, “Yang deficiency” generally refers to Qi deficiency, and the human body emphasizes balance between Yin and Yang. A deficiency in Yang inevitably disrupts this Yin-Yang equilibrium, leading to various health problems. Kidney Yang deficiency is a common clinical condition, particularly prevalent among middle-aged and elderly individuals. So, what can be done for Kidney Yang deficiency?

How to Address Kidney Yang Deficiency

Kidney Yang deficiency can be treated with either herbal medicine or physical therapies. Commonly used Chinese herbs include velvet antler, gecko, cinnamon bark, cistanche, red ginseng, epimedium, goji berries, and eucommia. Patented Chinese medicines frequently prescribed for this condition include Shen Bao Pian (Kidney Treasure Tablets), Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan (Jin Kui Kidney Qi Pills), and You Gui Wan (Right-Returning Pills), all of which effectively treat Kidney Yang deficiency. TCM physical therapies primarily involve moxibustion—applying heat via burning mugwort at key acupoints such as Guan Yuan (CV4), Ming Men (GV4), and Shen Shu (BL23)—which helps tonify the kidneys and nourish Yang, yielding excellent therapeutic results.

Herbal therapy is an effective treatment for Kidney Yang deficiency. This condition may arise from congenital insufficiency or acquired factors such as improper diet and lifestyle, excessive childbearing, kidney injury, or aging. Clinical manifestations commonly include lower back pain, fatigue, lethargy, generalized aversion to cold, and cold limbs. In men, symptoms may include erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and spontaneous seminal emission; in women, it may cause dysmenorrhea, increased vaginal discharge, and menstrual irregularities. Typically, oral administration of You Gui Wan (Right-Returning Pills) or Gui Fu Di Huang Wan (Cinnamon and Aconite Rehmannia Pills) is recommended, or patients may consult a local TCM practitioner for personalized herbal prescriptions. These herbs function to warm Yang, tonify the kidneys, and replenish marrow.

Patients are advised to limit or avoid foods with warming and heating properties—such as dog meat, mutton, shrimp, and walnuts—as well as spicy and stimulating foods. We hope this information proves helpful to you.