Definition of invigorate Yang

[Guest guest]

The expression " invigorate Yang " is one that readers of TCM articles

and books see a lot. " Invigorate Yang " can have two meanings: 1.

Supplement ( " tonify " , add) Yang to the body via Yang tonic herbs or

moxibustion in acupuncture. 2. " To 'stimulate' or 'awaken'. "

(Clinical Nephrology in , Wei Li and David Frierman

with Ben Luna and Bob Flaws, p. 32.)

 

One way to " stimulate " or " awaken " Yang is through the use of Herbs

That Warm the Interior. Herbs like Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae (aka

cinnamom bark, aka Rou Gui) and Radix Aconiti Carmichaeli Lateralis

Praeparatus (aka prepared aconite, aka Fu Zi). (p. 32.)

 

Yang can be dimished by Cold and/or by Dampness. What Herbs That

Warm the Interior do is create a more favorable environment for Yang.

 

The endnotes at the end of chapter 3 ( " Important Treatment

Principles in Chinese Nephrology " ) also contains a brief discussion

of the famous and oft-used formula Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi Pills

(aka Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan). Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi formula is a

Kidney Qi tonic formula. It works to increase (tonify) Kidney Qi by

invigorating Kidney Yang (via Herbs That Warm the Interior) and

nourishing Kidney Yin. Kidney Yang heating Kidney Yin is how the

Kidneys produce Kidney Qi.

 

" Fu Zi and Rou Gui warm and stimulate kidney yang, but many scholars

contend they do not supplement kidney yang. Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan

takes advantage of the fact that kidney yang is dependent on kidney

yin. In this case, yang is gained from supplementing yin and re-

establishing the kidney's normal physiology. " (p. 32.)

 

For readers new to TCM, " Yang " heats, activates, and dries. " Yin "

cools, calms, and moistens. The two are more or less in balance in a

healthy body with Yang dominating at times (like during the day

time) and Yin dominating at other times (like during the night).

 

The Kidneys supply the Yang and Yin to the rest of the body. (The

names of TCM Organs are capitalized because they are not equivalent

to anatomical organs. They are collections of functions.)