Why Do Women Experience Kidney Yang Deficiency?

　　In daily life, many people suffer from kidney deficiency (Shen Xu), which manifests in various forms. The two most common types are Kidney Yin Deficiency and Kidney Yang Deficiency. Kidney Yang Deficiency refers to insufficient Kidney Yang Qi. When this condition arises, timely adjustment and treatment are essential; otherwise, serious consequences may ensue. So, why do women develop Kidney Yang Deficiency?

　　Why Do Women Develop Kidney Yang Deficiency?

　　Generally, Kidney Yang Deficiency arises primarily from constitutional Yang deficiency—often seen in vegetarians—chronic kidney deficiency, long-standing illness causing renal damage, and excessive mental or physical strain. Awareness of these contributing factors should encourage greater attention to health maintenance and proactive self-care. Individuals with Yang-deficient constitutions typically exhibit symptoms such as cold intolerance, pallor, thinness, spontaneous sweating, low tolerance for physical exertion, and a tendency toward facial hyperpigmentation (e.g., melasma). They often experience throat discomfort, shoulder and back stiffness, and increased susceptibility to gastrointestinal disorders. Even mild exposure to cold or wind may trigger diarrhea, loose stools, lower back pain, diminished libido, dysmenorrhea, and prolonged menstrual cycles. If one were to personify the 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, resulting in 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 one that develops suddenly—and therefore cannot be resolved hastily through indiscriminate use of kidney-tonifying herbs, especially those of unknown composition. Instead, recovery must proceed gradually and steadily. Individuals with Yang-deficient constitutions should engage regularly in physical exercise throughout all four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

　　Recommended activities include moderate-intensity exercises suited to one’s physical capacity—such as walking, slow jogging, Tai Chi, Baduanjin (Eight Brocades), Nei Yang Gong (internal cultivation exercises), interval training, ball sports, and various dance forms. Regular exposure to sunlight and fresh air—including sunbathing—is also highly beneficial. We hope this information proves helpful to you.