How to Determine Yin Deficiency or Yang Deficiency
Disease description:
My boyfriend has been feeling very weak lately. When he went to the hospital for a checkup, the doctor diagnosed him with kidney deficiency. I also know that kidney deficiency can be categorized into two types. I would like to ask how to determine whether it is kidney yin deficiency or kidney yang deficiency?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
Determining whether a condition involves Yin deficiency or Yang deficiency primarily relies on a comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations, tongue appearance, pulse characteristics, and bodily sensations. Individuals with Yang deficiency often exhibit symptoms such as cold intolerance, cold hands and feet, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, low energy, a pale tongue with a white coating, and a deep, slow pulse. They generally prefer warm environments and are sensitive to cold.
Conversely, those with Yin deficiency commonly experience symptoms like tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth and throat, irritability, a red tongue with little coating, and a fine, rapid pulse. They tend to prefer cool environments and are sensitive to hot weather. Additionally, individuals with Yang deficiency often crave spicy foods, while those with Yin deficiency may prefer Yin-nourishing foods such as winter melon and aloe.
Accurate diagnosis should be made by a qualified TCM practitioner based on an individualized evaluation. It is not advisable to self-diagnose based solely on one or two symptoms.
