Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang

The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.

Pathology

Yang Deficiency is an Empty-Cold condition characterized by Coldness and Deficiency. If there is inadequate amount of Yang energy to warm the body or internal Organs, a general hypoactivity of the organic processes occurs, hence the patient is tried and not willing to move.  Qi and Blood is more likely to stagnate in this case. 

Also, Body Fluids can accumulate and congest when Yang is insufficient, resulting in Oedema and puffiness in various parts of the body. This pattern differs from Yin Excess because Yang Deficiency also includes Coldness-related symptoms, such as fear of cold, chilliness, cold limbs and desire warmth. 

Since the root of Yin and Yang ‘resides’ in the Kidneys, if they become impaired from excessive standing, sex, activity or overwork, the weakened Kidney Yang has impacts on the rest of body Yang, representatively Spleen or Heart Yang Deficiency. Actually, Yang Deficiency is mostly related to Spleen Yang, Kidney Yang, Heart Yang or Lungs Qi. 

For instance. when Spleen Yang is Deficient, it fails to warm the muscles and to properly metabolize food, resulting in undigested foods in the stools and loose stools. It also causes Coldness and Deficient Blood and Grain Qi. 

Causes

Precursor patterns: Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang can derive from Qi Deficiency

Diet: Excessive consumption of cold and raw foods, juices, sweets, alcohol, coffee, iced drinks as well as frozen foods such as ice cream and frozen yogurt.

Over-exercising: Over-exercising can hurts Yang.

Overwork : Overwork can deplete Yang and cause Deficiency.

External Cold: Over exposure to cold weather (regards less Wind-Cold or Damp-Cold) can cause internal Full Cold. If it is not address for a long time, it can harm Yang Qi and lead to Yang Deficiency.

Improper care after birth: Congenital defects due to improper care after birth can also cause Yang Deficiency.

Long hour standing : Long hour standing can deplete general Yang.

Excessive sexual activity: Excessive sexual activities can also cause this pattern, especially if one is exposed to cold immediately after intercourse.

Diagnosing Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang

Diagnosing a pattern in Chinese Medicine is no easy feat and should be left to professional practitioners. In particular one has to know how to differentiate between different types of pulses and tongue coatings, shapes and colors as well as learn to read from a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Treating Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang

Treatment principle

Warm the Deficient Yang. 

Herbal formulas used to treat Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang

Consequence patterns

Heart Vessel obstructed

Yang Deficiency can causes Internal Cold, which is a part of the pattern of Heart Vessel obstructed.