Why Does Kidney Yang Deficiency Occur?

　　In daily life, many people experience kidney deficiency (Shen Xu), which manifests in various forms—among the most common are Kidney Yin Deficiency and Kidney Yang Deficiency. Kidney Yang Deficiency refers to insufficient Kidney Yang Qi. When this occurs, timely regulation and intervention are essential; otherwise, serious health consequences may ensue. So, what causes Kidney Yang Deficiency?

　　Causes of Kidney Yang Deficiency

　　Generally, Kidney Yang Deficiency arises from multiple factors, including constitutional Yang deficiency in vegetarians, age-related decline in Kidney function, chronic illness-induced kidney damage, and excessive physical or mental strain—particularly overexertion of the Heart and Kidney systems. Understanding these causes helps individuals pay greater attention to health maintenance and cultivate robust well-being. Individuals with Yang-deficient constitutions typically exhibit symptoms such as cold intolerance, pallor, slim build, spontaneous sweating, and low tolerance for physical exertion. They are prone to facial pigmentation spots, recurrent sore throat, shoulder and back discomfort, and gastrointestinal disorders. Exposure to cold pathogens—such as catching a chill or being exposed to cold wind—may trigger diarrhea, loose or unformed stools, lower back pain, diminished libido, dysmenorrhea, and prolonged menstrual cycles. If one were to personify a Yang-deficient constitution, it would be someone frail, pale, and melancholic.

　　According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Kidneys govern water metabolism, and Kidney Yang plays a vital role in the transformation (Qi-hua) and vaporization (Zheng-teng) of fluids. When Kidney Yang is deficient, its transformative and vaporizing functions weaken, leading to clinical signs such as clear, copious urine. Thus, Kidney Yang Deficiency involves pathological changes within the Kidneys themselves. Kidney deficiency is generally a chronic, cumulative condition—not something that develops overnight. Therefore, treatment must be gradual and steady; hasty use of kidney-tonifying herbs—or worse, unregulated, poorly characterized “kidney supplements”—is strongly discouraged. Instead, individuals with Yang-deficient constitutions should prioritize regular physical exercise throughout all four seasons.

　　Recommended activities include moderate-intensity exercises suited to one’s physical capacity—such as brisk walking, jogging, Tai Chi, Baduanjin (Eight Brocades), Qigong, interval training, ball sports, and various dance forms. Regular exposure to sunlight and fresh air—especially during periods of strong, warm sunshine—is also highly beneficial. We hope this information proves helpful to you.