How to Determine on Your Own Whether It's Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidney Yang Deficiency

Nov 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Kidney yin deficiency is characterized primarily by "deficiency heat," commonly manifesting as heat in the palms, soles, and chest, tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth, and sore throat. It may also be accompanied by dizziness, tinnitus, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dry constipation, short and dark urine; men may experience seminal emission or premature ejaculation, while women may have scanty menstruation. Overall, this condition reflects a state of insufficient yin fluids and internal generation of deficient fire.

Generally, one can perform a preliminary self-assessment of kidney yin deficiency or kidney yang deficiency by observing core manifestations such as tendencies toward cold or heat and the status of body fluids. However, a final determination should be made based on a comprehensive evaluation of overall symptoms. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. Specific analysis is as follows:

Kidney yin deficiency is characterized primarily by "deficient heat," commonly manifesting as heat in the palms, soles, and chest, tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth, and sore throat. It may also be accompanied by dizziness, tinnitus, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dry constipation, short and dark urine; men may experience nocturnal emissions or premature ejaculation, while women may have scanty menstrual flow. Overall, this condition reflects a state of insufficient yin fluids and internal generation of deficient fire.

Kidney yang deficiency is mainly manifested by "deficient cold," often presenting with aversion to cold, cold limbs, cold hands and feet, and spontaneous sweating. Other possible symptoms include cold pain in the lower back and knees, fatigue, loose stools, clear and copious urine; men may suffer from erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, while women may experience uterine coldness and dysmenorrhea. This condition generally reflects insufficient yang qi and diminished warming function.

Self-assessment is for reference only—avoid drawing conclusions based on a single symptom. If symptoms persist or worsen, timely consultation with a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner is advised for proper pattern differentiation and development of an individualized调理 plan.

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What foods to eat for nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys

Generally speaking, for nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys, it is suitable to consume foods such as black sesame seeds, goji berries, Chinese yam, mulberries, and black beans. Black sesame seeds are sweet in taste and neutral in nature, entering the liver and kidney meridians. Rich in oils and nutrients, they can nourish the yin of the liver and kidneys and replenish kidney essence. Their oil content moistens dryness and lubricates the intestines, while also assisting in nourishing kidney yin, thereby improving symptoms caused by kidney yin deficiency, such as dizziness, blurred vision, and premature graying of hair.

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Are premature ejaculation and lower back pain signs of kidney yin deficiency?

TCM believes that kidney yin deficiency may lead to insufficient kidney essence, resulting in failure to secure the seminal gate and possibly causing premature ejaculation. Meanwhile, insufficient kidney yin fails to nourish the meridians of the lower back, leading to soreness in the waist. If these manifestations are accompanied by typical symptoms of yin deficiency such as tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth and throat, heat in the palms and soles, dizziness, and tinnitus, the condition is most likely related to kidney yin deficiency. Treatment should primarily focus on nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys.

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Can Jianpi Pill and Qiju Dihuang Pill be taken at the same time?

Jianpi Pill and Qiju Dihuang Pill can be taken simultaneously under medical guidance when indicated, as their effects are complementary: Jianpi Pill strengthens the spleen and stimulates the appetite, while Qiju Dihuang Pill nourishes the liver and kidneys, thus addressing both spleen deficiency and liver-kidney yin deficiency. However, self-administration without medical advice should be avoided. If symptoms such as abdominal distension, diarrhea, or other discomfort occur after taking the medicines, prompt medical consultation is recommended.

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Can Shugan Yiyang Capsules treat the root cause?

Shugan Yiyang Capsules have the potential to address the root cause of certain conditions that meet TCM diagnostic criteria, such as functional disorders caused by liver qi stagnation and kidney yang deficiency, by regulating organ functions to improve the underlying causes. However, for organic lesions or conditions not matching these specific patterns, the capsules mainly serve as adjunctive therapy to alleviate symptoms and are unlikely to fully resolve the root issue. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after 2–4 weeks of medication, prompt medical consultation is recommended.