How to regulate liver and kidney yin deficiency
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, the regulation of liver and kidney yin deficiency focuses on nourishing yin, tonifying the liver, and replenishing kidney essence. Main approaches include dietary adjustment, medication, lifestyle modification, acupoint massage, and emotional regulation. In addition,调理 for liver and kidney yin deficiency requires long-term persistence and should not aim for quick results. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications properly and undergo regular check-ups. In daily life, mild exercises such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin may be appropriately practiced.
In general, the regulation of liver and kidney yin deficiency centers on nourishing yin, tonifying the liver, and replenishing kidney essence. Main approaches include dietary adjustment, medication, lifestyle modifications, acupoint massage, and emotional regulation. Specific details are as follows:
1. Dietary Adjustment
Foods that nourish yin and moisten dryness are recommended, such as wolfberry (goji berries), lily bulbs, white fungus (silver ear), black sesame seeds, and mulberries. Wolfberry tonifies the liver and kidneys, while black sesame seeds enrich essence and nourish marrow. These ingredients can be consumed by steaming or boiling to replenish bodily yin fluids and alleviate symptoms caused by liver and kidney yin deficiency, such as dry mouth and throat, dizziness, and blurred vision. Spicy and heat-inducing foods should be avoided, as they may deplete yin fluids.
2. Medication
Patients may use traditional Chinese patent medicines such as Liuwei Dihuang Pills, Qiju Dihuang Pills, Zhibai Dihuang Pills, Maiwei Dihuang Pills, or Zuogui Pills under medical guidance. Liuwei Dihuang Pill primarily nourishes kidney yin; Qiju Dihuang Pill additionally benefits the liver and improves vision; Zhibai Dihuang Pill is suitable for individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat. These formulas can effectively target and relieve symptoms associated with liver and kidney yin deficiency.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
Avoid staying up late and overexertion, as sleep deprivation easily depletes liver blood and kidney essence, worsening yin deficiency. Ensure 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night in a quiet and restful environment. Limit prolonged eye use—according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver "opens into the eyes," and excessive visual strain damages liver yin. Maintain good eye hygiene and take appropriate breaks after every hour of eye use.
4. Acupoint Massage
Regularly massage key acupoints such as Ganshu (Liver俞), Shenshu (Kidney俞), Taichong, Taixi, and Sanyinjiao. The Ganshu point nourishes and protects the liver; Shenshu strengthens the kidneys and enriches essence; Taichong is the source point of the liver meridian; Taixi is the source point of the kidney meridian. Massaging these points helps unblock meridians and harmonize qi and blood in the liver and kidneys. Massage each point for 1–2 minutes with moderate pressure.
5. Emotional Regulation
Chronic anxiety, anger, and other emotional disturbances can generate internal heat, damaging yin and exacerbating liver and kidney yin deficiency. It's important to maintain a cheerful mood and manage stress through activities like listening to music, walking, or meditation. Avoid extreme emotional fluctuations to create a healthy mental and physical environment for recovery and prevent further depletion of yin fluids.
Besides, regulating liver and kidney yin deficiency requires long-term commitment—do not expect immediate results. Patients should follow medical advice strictly, take medications properly, and have regular health check-ups. Mild exercises such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin (Eight Brocades) can be practiced regularly to promote circulation of qi and blood and assist in alleviating yin deficiency symptoms. If discomfort occurs during regulation, seek medical advice promptly to adjust the treatment plan.
