Everything has a division of yin and yang, like the two sides of tai chi. The human body is the same, with a lack of body fluids often indicating yin deficiency, while yang deficiency manifests in declining bodily functions. Those with yin deficiency are often lean, frequently thirsty, and have a red complexion.
Individuals with this constitution are outgoing, active, emotionally excitable, and easily angered, possibly due to insufficient yin energy to restrain yang heat in the body. On the other hand, individuals with yang deficiency typically feel cold in their hands and feet, have a pale complexion, lack physical strength, and may experience loose stools, clear urine, and other symptoms.
To differentiate between yin and yang deficiency, specific body signals can be observed. Those with yin deficiency may have a red tongue with little coating, occasional low-grade fever, afternoon sweats, restlessness, ringing in the ears, insomnia, weak and thin pulse, anxious emotions, shortness of breath, and intolerance to heat. On the other hand, individuals with yang deficiency fear cold, have a pale tongue with a swollen or tooth-marked body, impaired digestion system which leads to undigested food being expelled, and a deep, weak pulse.
In conclusion, yin deficiency and yang deficiency each have distinctive manifestations, both of which are unfavorable for health. Once signs of yin or yang deficiency are detected, corresponding treatment measures should be taken promptly to prevent the deterioration of the condition and reduce unnecessary health damage.
