Tendency towards Yang Deficiency Constitution

Manifestation Characteristics

• Physical Signs: The primary characteristic is a slight insufficiency of Yang qi, which may manifest as signs of deficiency-cold, such as an aversion to cold and cold hands and feet.

• Body Shape: The muscles are typically somewhat soft and not firm.

• Common Manifestations: A general feeling of coldness, hands and feet that are not warm, a preference for hot food and drinks, listlessness, and a pale, swollen, and tender tongue.

• Psychological Characteristics: The personality is often quiet and introverted.

• Disease Tendencies: Susceptible to conditions such as phlegm-fluid retention, edema, and diarrhea. When affected by external pathogenic factors, the condition tends to transform into a cold pattern.

• Adaptability: Tolerates summer but not winter; easily affected by pathogenic wind, cold, and dampness.

Conditioning Methods

• Environmental and Lifestyle Adjustments: In winter, it is important to avoid cold and seek warmth. In spring and summer, focus on nurturing and supplementing Yang qi. Sunbathing is beneficial. Avoid exposure to wind, cold, fog, and snow. Pay special attention to keeping the feet, back, and the Dantian area (the region below the navel) warm.

• Physical Exercise: Movement generates Yang. It is recommended to engage in physical exercise once or twice daily. The exercises should be gentle and slow, such as walking, jogging, Tai Chi, the Five Animals Frolics, and Ba Duan Jin.

• Mental Adjustment: Individuals with this constitution often experience low moods and are prone to fear and sadness. It is important to maintain a calm and introspective state of mind and to dispel negative emotions.

• Dietary Conditioning: It is advisable to consume foods that warm and supplement Yang, such as lamb, dog meat, venison, and chicken. It is best to eat fewer raw and cold foods like watermelon.

• Medicinal Conditioning: Herbs that supplement Yang, dispel cold, and warm and nourish the liver and kidneys can be chosen. Examples include Lu Rong (Velvet Antler), Hai Gou Shen (Seal Penis and Testes), Ge Jie (Gecko), and Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark). A suitable patent formula is Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet).