Lung Yin Deficiency
Lung Yin Deficiency
Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment
Diagnostic Signs
Normal or red color with no coating
Rapid (Shu), Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Key Characteristic Symptoms
Diagnostic Considerations
Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the dry cough, weak hoarse voice, drythroat and night sweating.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
Excessive use of the voice over many years have a drying effect, which can eventually develop to Lung Yin Deficiency.
Tobacco or cannabis is hot in nature. They can dry the the Lungs and leads to Lung Yin Deficiency.
Sadness and grief normally deplete Qi. However, whena person has a pre-existing constitutional tendency toYin Deficiency, these emotions may deplete Lung Yin.
Pathological Mechanism
Exterior Heat and Dryness can invade the Lungs and exhausts the Body Fluids. If it is not dealt with for a long time, it leads to Lung Yin Deficiency. Typical manifestations are dry cough, throat and mouth, aversion to speak as well as Hoarse voice.
Other factors can cause this pattern such as the Deficiency of Kidneys or Stomach Yin as well as prolonged Lung Qi Deficiency due to excessive smoking or use of voice.
Empty-Heat symptoms appear if the Lung Yin Deficiency condition is not treated for a while. Patients can feel malar flush, low-grade fever as well as Heat in the palms and chest, especially in the evenings.
Lung Yin Deficiency generally occurs in middle-aged and elderly patients as a result of overwork, irregular diet and smoking. However, it can also occur in a child after whooping cough.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Tonify Lung Yin, nourish Body Fluids, clear Empty-Heat if necessary.
Recommended Herbal Formulas
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
Pay attention to avoid foods that are hot, spicy, fried and greasy. Eat grains, protein, vegetables and greens. If digestion function is well, also try some fruits (especially pears) and juices. Some specific foods are recommended such as asparagus, duck, black beans and milk.
As for other therapies, it is recommended to use oil massage, breathing exercises, cupping over upper back and meditation.
The patients should avoid using saunas or hot tubs. They should also avoid go to bed late and find a way to balance their overloaded work and emotional stress. Resting is very important in replenishing Yin, during the day and at night.
As for sports, avoid intense aerobic exercises or anything cause extensive sweating. It is recommended to try Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, stretching, light walk and swimming.
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