Often feel dry mouth, dry nose, dry hair, and even accompanied by insomnia, vivid dreaming, and irritability, this is likely a manifestation of bodily Yin deficiency. Yin deficiency indicates inadequate Yin fluids in the body, disrupting the balance of Yin and Yang. Specific symptoms include dry eyes, nose, and mouth, dull skin and hair, emotional fluctuations, sleep disturbances, dizziness, weakness in the lower back and legs, frequent but scanty urination, rapid heartbeat, night sweats, warm palms and soles, and tinnitus.
Women with Yin deficiency may also experience dizziness, tinnitus, memory decline, increased libido, reduced or absent menstrual flow, thinning of the body, dry and thirsty throat, warm palms and soles, red cheeks, night sweats, and a red and dry tongue. In severe cases, it may lead to a condition called Yang Deficiency, characterized by high fever with sticky sweats, rapid breathing, elevated body temperature, extreme thirst, restlessness, a preference for cold drinks, flushed complexion, cracked tongue, and rapid pulse. In such situations, it is critical to replenish Yin fluids promptly.
Yin deficiency has diverse causes involving multiple organs such as the lungs, heart, stomach, spleen, liver, and kidneys, possibly resulting from chronic illnesses, excessive blood loss, emotional stress, sequelae of febrile diseases, or improper dietary habits. Timely replenishing Yin fluids can not only prevent symptoms but also alleviate existing discomfort, which is especially crucial for women in urban workplaces who often experience heat sensations in the palms and soles, night sweats, and dry throat.
Improving Yin deficiency requires essential dietary adjustments. Recommended foods include duck meat, pork, pig skin, chicken eggs, salted duck eggs, milk, freshwater turtle, tortoise, dried scallops, sea cucumber, and clams, all of which have nourishing Yin effects to alleviate Yin deficiency symptoms. Meanwhile, individuals with Yin deficiency constitution should reduce intake of spicy, fried, and warming foods; moderate consumption of cold beverages can help rebalance the body internally, but excessive intake should be avoided. Emotional management is also crucial – maintaining a calm mindset, avoiding intense emotional fluctuations, can greatly ease discomfort caused by Yin deficiency.
