How to Determine if the Kidney is Yin Deficient or Yang Deficient

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, yin deficiency and yang deficiency are two conditions describing an imbalance of yin and yang in the body. These conditions can be differentiated by symptoms indicating whether the kidney is in a state of yin deficiency or yang deficiency.

Patients with kidney yin deficiency typically present with flushed cheeks, redness on both cheekbones, irritability, insomnia with vivid dreams, emotional agitation, and internal heat sensations, particularly evident in the afternoon or at night. They may also experience tidal fever with night sweats, dry mouth and throat, a red tongue with little coating, and a rapid, thin pulse. Additionally, symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, short and yellow urine may also occur.

Conversely, patients with kidney yang deficiency often have a pale, lusterless complexion, feel cold easily, have cold hands and feet, appear listless and fatigued, experience excessive sleepiness, have a pale, swollen tongue with a white, slippery coating, and display a deep, slow, and weak pulse. They may also suffer from indigestion, frequent urination, edema, and reduced sexual function.

It is recommended that patients visit the TCM department of a reputable hospital, where a professional physician can make a comprehensive diagnosis by integrating the four diagnostic methods—inspection (observing physical appearance and tongue), listening and smelling, inquiry (asking about symptoms and medical history), and palpation (including pulse diagnosis)—along with other clinical findings to determine if the condition is kidney yin deficiency or kidney yang deficiency. After a clear diagnosis, patients should follow the physician's instructions for appropriate treatment. Treatment for kidney yin deficiency focuses on nourishing yin, with commonly used herbs including Astragalus (Huangqi), Lycium (Gouqizi), and Dendrobium (Shihu). Treatment for kidney yang deficiency primarily involves warming and supplementing kidney yang and invigorating the spleen and stomach, with commonly used herbs including Cinnamon (Rougui), Psoralea (Buguzhi), and Angelica (Danggui). In addition, patients should adjust their lifestyle, maintain regular dietary habits and exercise routines, and strive to maintain balance between yin and yang to promote overall health.