In the fast-paced urban life, many people encounter decreased energy, body aches, and occasional dizziness and ringing in the ears, which may be warning signs from the kidneys. In traditional Chinese medicine, kidney deficiency is further divided into yang deficiency and yin deficiency, each with different symptoms and corresponding adjustment strategies. To differentiate which type of kidney deficiency one might have, pay attention to the following five bodily signals for an easy self-assessment.
For individuals with kidney yang deficiency, they often feel cold, even in warm indoor settings, like to add extra clothing, have cold hands and feet, significant cold sensations in the back and waist, worsened in winter, and have difficulty getting warm at night. Conversely, those with kidney yin deficiency have hot hands and feet, night sweats, feel hot even in cool weather, and crave cold drinks.
On a mental level, those with kidney yang deficiency are prone to fatigue, lack of energy, decreased memory, and even with sufficient rest, cannot completely eliminate fatigue. On the other hand, individuals with kidney yin deficiency, though also fatigued, tend to be more irritable, lack concentration, experience frequent insomnia with vivid dreams at night, feel emotionally tense during the day, and are easily agitated.
Concerning urination, individuals with kidney yang deficiency have clear and copious urine, frequent nighttime urination, urgency, and sometimes experience urinary incontinence. Those with kidney yin deficiency have yellowish urine, reduced amount with a sensation of heat, feel the urge to urinate at night but less frequently due to insufficient body fluids.
In terms of sexual function and reproductive health, kidney yang deficiency may lead to decreased male libido, sexual dysfunction, while females may experience cold uterus leading to infertility, delayed and scanty menstruation. In contrast, kidney yin deficiency shows stronger sexual desires, nocturnal emissions in males, early onset of menstruation with heavier flow and red color in females, all due to yin deficiency and excessive internal heat.
Facial and tongue signs are also distinguishing factors: individuals with kidney yang deficiency have pale or dull complexion, prominent dark circles around the eyes, a tongue that is pale and swollen with tooth marks, and a moist white tongue coating. On the other hand, those with kidney yin deficiency have flushed cheeks, slightly red lips, a thin and red tongue with less coating or cracks, indicating insufficient yin essence and excess internal heat.
After identifying the type of kidney deficiency, it is essential to understand that traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment should be individualized, self-assessment serves only as a reference, and professional TCM diagnosis is necessary. Adhere to TCM principles during treatment – tonifying yang for yang deficiency and nourishing yin for yin deficiency, adjust lifestyle habits, ensure adequate sleep, balanced diet, moderate exercise, avoid excessive fatigue to fundamentally improve kidney deficiency. Any dietary adjustments, exercise plans, or medication treatments should be conducted under the guidance of professionals to prevent adverse effects.
Health preservation is a continuous lifestyle transformation, the key lies in perseverance. May everyone explore a health preservation method that suits them, allowing the body to restore balance and harmony.
