Yin defeciency

[Guest guest]

> Vinod:

>

> What is the best way to treat this then? Can you

> recommend food, herbs, acupoints?

>

> Thanks, Jack

 

 

 

This is a long posting on Yin deficiency – perhaps much more than

many want to know about the subject but for those who are interested

these are some points that came to mind while trying to discuss the

issue – it is obviously only the highlights of a very big subject.

 

 

Yin is the substance of our bodies – the cells, the fluids, the

organs, the skeleton, the glands, the brain, etc. These structures

and substances comprise our basic physiological functions – the

harmonious functioning of each cell is necessary for healthy life.

Within these substances and structures are relatively more or less

Yin or Yang functions. When the substances and structures of our

bodies lose their functioning capacities and or their harmonious

balance within themselves and in relationship with the other organ

functions - we develop deteriorating health and or aging symptoms. A

primary way we can understand aging is it is the gradual loss of the

Yin and when the Yin is depleted we die. This simply means that as we

age we lose structure and substance to the point that the basic

functions are no longer supporting health and vitality and our

various organ functions break down more and more. Many start this

severe depletion of the Yin at a young age either through genetics

and or excess and or deficiencies (many suffer from diseases of

excess and deficiencies at the same time – one possible example is

hypometabolism from low thyroid function combined with strong heat

symptoms from excess acids – this is `Yin/fire – there are many

examples that could be given). So a very important aspect of our

lives is the cultivation and protection of the Yin. We must keep the

basic functions of the organs – glands – brain and nervous system –

circulatory system – etc. in as good a tone and harmony as possible

(harmony within the organ function and between the various organ

systems). To the extent we can achieve this the better quality and

length of life we will have. Many people have low Qi and Yang but

because of strong balanced Yin and Shen (balanced with the available

Qi and Yang) they live serene and fulfilled lives. Many `Immortals'

do not have huge amounts of energy but they are `balanced' and exert

great influence on human history. This is of course also true of

ordinary people as we age – we may not have great influence on

history but we can live balanced, harmless, fulfilling lives.

 

Yin is the substance and Qi and Yang are the focus and power with

which we manifest and express ourselves. Why we lose Yin and the

pathologies that develop as a result of this loss are of course a big

subject - one that I would like to post on in the future if I am able

to find the time. I think it might be useful to understand in

ordinary English what are the causes of ordinary pathologies – I

notice that many in this group have trouble understanding TCM

terminology – this problem could be easily solved by using ordinary

English since many of us all already understand many of the concepts

of TCM but we use different terms to describe these concepts.

 

Yin Deficiency will present with signs of dryness and signs of empty

heat. Yang Deficiency will present with signs of cold. One can have

dry empty `false' heat and cold. Those who have both Yin and Yang

deficiency can become very cold and damp as well as damp/heat (false

heat) with many stagnation processes – cold, damp, false heat,

stagnant diseases are common in modern humanity. The list of diseases

that manifest as a result of this syndrome is very long including

many of the most devastating diseases. A body that can not maintain

ordinary functions because of reduced temperature, blockages, and

excess water with acids (false heat with dampness) is a body facing

increasing deterioration into severe diseases.

 

In the meantime Jack has asked what do we do about declining Yin.

 

Pathology is the result of malfunctioning of some structure or

substance of the body. Therefore to correct this we must `rebalance'

this imbalance. Harmony within each system and harmony between the

various organ systems is our goal. I see this issue in a very broad

context since I come from both Traditional (TCM and Ayurveda) and

modern systems

( Endocrinology). In modern terms I see excess loss of Yin as coming

from stress and Endocrine imbalances – which causes an imbalance in

the Pituitary/ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) axis (which causes the

balance within the organs and between the organs to become

imbalanced – this imbalances brain chemistry as well creating a

cascade of symptoms mental-physical-spiritual. To correct this we

must /rebalance. The symbols of this have to do with cleaning and

strengthening the blood as it is the blood that is poisoning the

cells and interfering with proper organ function (as example excess

acids in the blood effect all organs but especially the kidneys and

liver – removing excess acids from the blood improves functioning of

all organs – for many reasons including improved oxygen carrying

capacity) – as well we must balance the `top and the bottom' –

the `left and the right' – the `inner and the outer' (this is

resetting the ANS which will go a long way toward balancing the

Endocrine functions and the brain chemical imbalances) – we must

remove excess water and stop the tendency of our bodies to hold water

and form mucus (phlegm) - we must calm ourselves and sleep well - we

must improve digestion, absorption, assimilation, and elimination.

Ancient people developed many techniques for dealing with excesses

and deficiencies. Three major categories of these techniques are

diet -–herbs – and meridian (or srota) manipulation (like Yoga, Chi

Kung, bodywork, and Acupuncture).

 

Diet is essential to health – there is no health if we constantly

poison our bodies with foods and other substances or if we do not

properly nourish the cells. A healing diet is a simple and mild diet

with no excessive qualities. Bob Flaws has a nice little book

on `mild' diet -

 

Arisal of the Clear: A Simple Guide to Healthy Eating According to

Traditional

 

Another more therapeutically oriented book is –

 

Diet Therapy in Traditional by Chi-Lin Liu

 

I also like Dr. Henry Lu's books. Many like Paul Pitchford's books.

Dietary therapy that we read about in books is not as precise as it

should be as there are so many factors to be considered – that is why

I like Bob Flaws book because it is a very general diet (mainly

emphasizing Stomach and spleen functions) and is very flexible

therefore helpful to most ill people of all categories. In Flaw's

book the key word is `mild' – if we can achieve a diet that creates a

minimum of stress the body will find its own balance. Poor diet is

the most severe stress that most of us will chronically experience. A

poisonous non nourishing diet simply does not support health.

 

The subject of building the Yin with herbs is complicated. When

referring to building Yin here I am referring mainly to those with

severe Yin deficiencies since they face more challenges than others

in rebuilding the Yin (cases like Fibromyalgia – CFS – autoimmune

disease – etc.). However there are a few general comments that can be

made. Yin tonics are the best substances to use – `superior' Yin

herbs are the Yin building substances that can be used by most people

as an important part of daily regime without sideeffects (cold-and or

excess dampness). These herbs work in many ways – they support liver

and kidney functions – they support hormonal functioning – they

nourish the cells – they clear and invigorate the blood - they

improve digestion - they neutralize and or facilitate elimination of

acids – they cool – they moisten – they are antioxidants (this is

very important) - they stimulate immune functioning – they open

blocks and facilitate the movement of fluids – etc. – all of this is

helpful allowing for the normal Yin functions to work.

 

I recommend everyone include some of these substances in their daily

protocol – they can be used in many ways – the most convenient are in

capsules – the Chinese use many of these substances in cooking. One

should work on building the Yin without disturbing the Qi or Yang.

Here is a list of Yin building substances that either mainly nourish

the Yin or they balance the Yin with lesser amounts of Qi – and or

Yang – and or Shen.

 

American Ginseng – this is an herb that builds the Yin and gives

energy without overheating (when Yin is weakened yang substances over

stimulates us creating another type of pathological heat).

Asparagus root (Ayur. -Shatavari) – this is one of the best Yin

building substances as it gives strength to the body without heating.

This herb is essential for women who have reproductive organ

imbalances. It has been used since ancient times to build sexual

energy without heating the body – it removes the heat. Remember that

we can remove the acids in many ways other than simplistic

neutralization (which could end up over cooling – examples would be

diuretics or diaphoretics which remove fluids and acids without

overcooling). Ayurveda uses asparagus root with Ashwaghanda (Withania

somnifera) and Gokshura (Tribulis) as a classic sexual rejuvenator.

Ashwaghanda is somewhere between Ginseng and American Ginseng in its

energetics – it is milder than Ginseng and has less potential to

challenge the Yin.

Black sesame seed – this herb which is so easily and deliciously

added to the diet is often overlooked. It builds the yin and at the

same time strengthens the body. It is also a good sexual strengthener

without overstimulating the body.

Cordyceps – this herb should be used by all who are suffering

underfunctioning including low immunity. This substance is wonderful

for giving strength and energy in hypometabolic-aging-weak people.

Cornus –

Cuscuta Seed– builds Yin but also has Yang nicely balanced. This can

be used by those who do not have severe Yin deficiencies and are able

to accept the Yang. This herb is also often used in formulas for

building sexual energy gently without irritation or over stimulation.

Ant (Polyrachis) – this substance is popularly used in Asia to

strengthen the immune system as well as all cellular functioning – it

is excellent for balancing Endocrine function.

Dendrobium – a good Yin substance that also is helpful for the Shen,

Dioscorea – this is a Qi tonic that has Qi balanced with Yin and

Yang.

Eucommia – this herb can be added to other Yin substances to give a

mild warming quality. It has more Yang but is accepted by a broad

range of people.

Gynostemma – this is a great adaptogen and is very helpful to build

basic reserves of the body.

Ligustrum

Lily bulb

Lycium – this herb should be used daily for life by most people. I

recommend this herb combined with Schizandra to all as a daily

support. The Chinese believe this combination imparts long healthy

life to all who live a moderate life.

Ophiopogon (Mai Men Dong)

Polygonatum sibericum – often used in small quantities in kidney

tonic formulas for building Yin.

Rehmannia root –raw and prepared. – Raw Rehmannia is one of the

greatest of all yin herbs but is very cooling and is most often used

in medical formulas to remove heat. The prepared form is the tonic

form and should be used by all who have Yin deficiency diseases and

by all over 50 years of age. This is the herb used in almost all Yin

building formulas in China. It is often used to balance Qi and Yang

substances to avoid stimulatory stress from those substances. Many

famous formulas are built on the Yin building formula `Six

Rehmannia' – the most famous and most generally used formula for

supporting the Yin. This formula is often given to anyone who is Yin

deficient and would like to add small amounts of Qi and Yang

substances – Rehmannia will help one to accept this. It is slightly

warming therefore avoids the overcooling tendencies of the raw

Rehmannia.

Reishi – another substance that everyone should take daily for the

whole life. It is an essential substance for dealing with many of the

most serious issues of modern life. It is a master immune enhancing

substance and one of the greatest anti/glycation (phlegm dissolving)

agents (glycation processes are at the core of many malfunctions of

cellular processes). All such substances help to build basic

functioning without any stimulatory or irritating effect.

Schizandra – a divine herb like Reishi and should be used by most

weak and aging people as a foundation substance (combined with Lycium

especially).

Turtle shell –

Walnut – similar in action to Black Sesame Seed. Very helpful.

Jujube – Qi tonic that is often acceptable to those who can not take

more powerful Qi tonics – it is well balanced in its energetics. I

take a tea twice daily that contains – Jujube, Schizandra, Lycium,

Reishi, Gynostemma – remember that many Yin substances are cool or

cold and should be balanced by some warming substances. For those who

can accept it Astragulus is good for that otherwise ginger is helpful

to keep the stomach from becoming over cool. It also has Shen.

Agaricus – is another Qi tonic that can be accepted by most Yin

deficient people. This is also one of the worlds great Adaptogens and

immune modulators. Substances such as this build basic functions

without stimulatory stress therefore can be taken by almost anyone –

but it is high in Qi so should be observed carefully if one is

severely Yin defecient. It also contains Shen which helps.

Spirit Poria – is also a Qi and Shen tonic that can be accepted by

most individuals deficient in Yin. Shen tonics are often very helpful

for Yin deficiencies as the calming effects of the Shen relieves the

stress that is harming and exhausting the Yin. Shen building

substances are essential in rebalancing the ANS – the over wrought

Sympathetic system craves calming pacifying Shen.

Royal jelly – another Qi tonic that is helpful for many Yin deficient

cases.

Shitake and Mitake – Qi tonics and Adaptogens that help the Yin

without stressing in most cases. These type of substances build Yin

and Qi so can be used with more powerful Yin substances (like

Rehmannia or Asparagus root) if one wants mild Qi support. One often

needs Qi substances to help digest the powerful Yin substances.

Support of the stomach and spleen should always be considered in Yin

deficiency.

Dong Gui – is used to build the blood therefore supporting and toning

the Yin.

Polygonum (Shou Wu) is also used to build the blood.

Licorice – in small quantities can be very helpful for harmonizing.

Buplerum –This is one of the great herbs for modern people because of

the constant unrelenting stress that modern life puts on the liver -

it also balances the liver/spleen functions – this is very important

in rebalancing the `left' and `right' therefore essential for ANS

resetting.

Herbs for strengthening the will power are often needed – Polygala is

an almost miraculous drug for this – I have seen many people get

their lives under control after using this substance. It breaks

compulsive/addictive patterns – physical, mental, and spiritual

addictions and compulsions. Ron Teeguarden has a Polygala based

formula that I often recommend `Will Power'.

Since the conservation and protection of the Jing is essential in

this process all substances that facilitate this will be helpful –

this includes using `astringent' substances – especially those that

keep us from easily losing the semen. Protection of the Jing fluids

should be a primary goal – astringents help with this. Especially for

those who sweat easily or who ejaculate to quickly or frequently.

Excessive sweating is harmful to the Jing and should be avoided. Many

hypometabolic people crave hot baths and steam - this is not helpful.

If one does take hot baths get out as soon as perspiration breaks on

the forehead. FIR (Far Infrared) lamps are much better for heating

than steam but if a general sweat breaks out while using them take

this as a sign that you have had enough.

 

There are many substances from other traditions which help in solving

many of these issues but I will leave it for another time.

 

The thing to remember in using herbs to build the Yin is that one

should start with the basics. The human body is not working properly

if we are constipated or have diarrhea – if we do not digest our food

properly – if our muscles do not function properly – if our endocrine

system is imbalanced – if we have low temperatures - if we have

excess acidity or alkalinity – if we are sexually compulsive or have

other sexual imbalances - if we have high or low blood sugar – if we

lose control of our energy or emotions – if our mind is clouded or

foggy – if our memory is failing – etc. So directly resolving all of

these results of stress on the cells and organs will go a long way

toward stopping or slowing the excess depletion of the Yin.

 

The muscles must be activated – many hypometabolic people suffer from

a type of muscle atrophy simply because they do not use their

muscles – so they naturally lose their muscle tone – or even worse

the muscles shrink. This point is very important to understand since

rapid loss of the Yin is the same as rapid aging. Deterioration of

muscle functioning is synonymous with diminished endocrine

functioning – such as declining testosterone (in both men and women) –

declining DHEA – declining Growth Hormone – possible increased

estrogen – etc. None of this is good and it must be reversed. Best

way to do this is to reactivate the muscles. Even light activities

that activate all muscle groups to some extent will reverse this

declining hormonal functioning. There are many formal movement

therapies – but any movement is helpful. Movement therapies are

helpful in many ways – they activate the muscles thus improving

metabolism – they stimulate circulation – they stretch and tone the

meridians (srotas) – they coordinate the nervous functions – they

improve balance – movement of the legs improves lung function – they

increase the Qi bringing us more to the present increasing self

awareness – etc. If one is severely depleted then simply getting on

the floor and moving around helps – simple rhythmic movements like

slow dancing or swaying can be helpful. We simply need to move our

arms and legs and we need to twist and bend our body from side to

side and up and down. In lethargic people any extra movement is

helpful – the benefit to the meridians- the nervous system – the

muscles is much greater than the energy expended. Severely

hypometabolic people should never fatigue themselves from exercising.

We should not feel in conflict with our disease as it is

counterproductive – try to understand the disease – then the cure

becomes clear. Therapies should not contribute to the stress and the

already exhausted condition. If you have access to a medical Chi Kung

practitioner then they can prescribe movement therapies for your

individual situation. If it is impossible to do even light exercise

then one should contact an Acupuncturist, TCM body worker, or other

body workers (simple massage is helpful) to help to facilitate

movement of the energy in the body thus breaking stagnation and

moving the fluids.

 

Jack asked about acupuncture points – I am not an acupuncturist but

there are many things that acupuncturists can do to help these

patients. Since in the west acupuncture can be a costly process I use

other techniques to open the meridians and facilitate the flow of the

Qi. But the ideas I think are important are –

 

One important factor in Yin deficiency is often Autonomic Nervous

System imbalance. So all techniques which calm and relax are helpful

(reactive states are very harmful to the Yin as they use excessive

hormones that can end up as adrenal exhaustion as an example) – -

balancing the two sides of the body - etc. Examples of acupuncture

techniques for facilitating this are – A combination of Luo-

connecting points and Yuan-source points. Since the Yuan-source

points are moving the Qi then the connecting points naturally help in

balancing the meridians on the opposite sides. Connecting and

balancing are key concepts for correcting the ANS issues in general.

Since the twelve-paired meridians are connected with the governing

vessel, conception vessel and the remaining six extra-ordinary

meridians then everything that facilitates proper functioning between

the opposing sides and strengthens `the center' will help to solve

the ANS imbalance. I have developed a series of exercises for

balancing the two (conflicting) sides – there are dozens of exercises

from ancient times that also do this. Chi Kung is very helpful for

this. Once the concept of balancing the opposing sides of the body is

understood then many techniques can be devised. What we are trying to

do here is facilitate the functioning of the corpus callosum which

connects the two sides of the brain. Nothing is more useful for

resetting the hypothalamus and therefore the pituitary. The role of

the hypothalamus in regulating metabolism and pituitary functions is

essential in improving Yin functions – hypothalamus is a basic link

in regulating body temperature – blood sugar – water balance – fat

metabolism – it is responsible for the regulation of the ovaries-

parathyroids-thyroid glands. The resetting of the hypothalamus is

crucial to the proper functioning of the limbic system in general.

Another benefit to resetting the hypothalamus/ANS axis is its role in

rebalancing brain chemistry.

 

One important point to keep in mind is that in weakened people we

need to strengthen the Defensive Qi (Wei Qi). Acupuncture and herbs

are both very helpful for that.

 

Here are some links for selecting acupuncture points in the issues

that I consider important in relieving the stress on the Yin.

 

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/chinesetheory/organdisharmony-KD.html#def-

kdqi Kidney yin accupoints.

 

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/chinesetheory/etiology-lin.html Kidney

disease acupoints

 

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/chinesetheory/etiology-cfs.html This is

a page on CFS which takes into account many of the important issues

we are discussing – Damp heat – yin and yang deficiency.

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/chinesetheory/etiology-

gastrogeneral.html Digestive and Liver disease etiology and

treatment.

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/chinesetheory/etiology-anxiety.html

Anxiety

 

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/chinesetheory/etiology-rhinitis.html -

This is a page on allergies. The relationship of allergies and

autoimmune disease (an important factor in hypometabolic states) is

one that I consider VERY important in modern disease syndrome – but

we do not have time to go into this subject here.

 

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/chinesetheory/treatments/treatment-

depression.html Depression

 

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/chinesetheory/etiology-constipation.html

Constipation

 

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/chinesetheory/organdisharmony-HT.html

Heart disharmony and ANS imbalance are central to modern stress

states – they play basic roles in insomnia and restless spirit. Look

under HT Yin & Yang deficiencies. Developing the Shen is very

important here.

 

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/chinesetheory/theory/theory-yinyang.html –

This is a simple basic page on Yin/Yang theory for those who are new

to TCM

 

Another poster sent this –

 

" ? The

problem I seemed to come up against was practitioners seeing

hypometabolic

function, especially with excess weight, almost as an excess of

yin, 'yin

pathogen' I was told. Could an excess of dampness in one area mask a

depletion of yin at a deeper level? That would make sense of the

failure in

differentiation. "

 

This is similar to the issue of `false heat' (in reverse).

Pathological Yin such as water retention and weight gain is not what

we are referring to when we are referring to the primordial or

original Yin. The Yin we are referring to is the `essence' or Jing

Yin. It is very common for Yin deficient people to have pathological

Yin (this seems natural doesn't it?) – examples are those overweight

people who carry excess water but when this excess water is removed

the person is found to have wasted muscles and depleted organs – in

many such people there is an excess (pathological) water accumulation

on the surface but a shrinking dehydrated condition of the muscles

and organs. Body mass testing can easily reveal the percentage of

muscle to water and fat. Pathological Yin is a common symptom of

declining Yin reserves. The mechanisms for this are complicated but

one simple example is that many who suffer from Yin deficiency will

crave sweets or other foods to replenish the Yin – this causes water

retention. Many other examples could be given since Yin deficient

people often have imbalances in water metabolism – this is often an

Insulin issue – and or an improper distribution of the fluids such as

Kidney and or Spleen deficiencies – it also is caused by high acid

conditions and malnutrition.

 

Every improvement in functioning benefits the Yin – so recovering

general balance will preserve the Yin. Balanced well integrated

people have the best chance for protecting the Yin and preserving it

into advancing age.

 

Dr. Vinod Kumar