herbs- lecture 2; deck 4

Food Therapy for Yang Deficiency

What is the core characteristic of a Yang Deficiency constitution?

Yang Deficiency is characterized by insufficient warmth and metabolic energy, making a person more sensitive to coldand fatigue.

What are the general manifestations of Yang Deficiency?

• Aversion to cold

• Cold limbs

• Pale complexion

• Low spirits and lethargy

• Loose stools

• Clear, frequent urination

• Lower-limb edema

• Lack of drive

• Sore, cold lower back and knees

• Tongue: Pale, swollen with teeth marks

• Pulse: Deep and slow

What are the manifestations of Heart Yang Deficiency?

• Palpitations

• Chest oppression or pain

• Cold limbs

• Pale or purplish lips

• Spontaneous sweating

What are the manifestations of Spleen Yang Deficiency?

• Poor appetite

• Cold abdominal pain relieved by warmth

• Loose stools with undigested food

• Cold limbs

• Fatigue

What are the manifestations of Kidney Yang Deficiency?

• Cold, sore lower back and knees

• Frequent clear urination

• Nocturia

• Low libido

• Lower-limb edema

What are the manifestations of Spleen–Kidney Yang Deficiency?

• Early-morning ("five-more") diarrhea

• Cold limbs

• Edema

• Marked lower-back weakness

What are the treatment principles for Yang Deficiency?

• Warm and tonify Yang

• Use warm to hot-energy foods

• Tonify the Spleen and Kidney

• Avoid cold and raw foods 

Which warm-energy foods are recommended for Yang Deficiency?

• Chicken

• Walnut

• Leek

• Chestnut

• Peach

Which hot-energy foods are recommended for Yang Deficiency?

• Lamb

• Rou Gui (Cinnamon bark)

• Ginger

• Fennel

• Black pepper

• Chili peppe

According to the Four Natures and Five Flavors, what qualities do Yang-tonifying foods generally have?

They are generally:

• Warm or hot in nature

• Sweet or pungent in flavor

They help:

• Warm the body

• Strengthen digestion

• Promote circulation

• Dispel internal cold

What recipes are recommended for Yang Deficiency?

• Lamb & Chinese Yam Soup

• Ginger Chicken Soup

• Beef & Pumpkin Stew

• Cinnamon Oatmeal Congee

• Beef, Pumpkin, Carrot & Ginger 

Case: A patient has cold hands and feet, fatigue, loose stools, clear frequent urination, and a deep, slow pulse. What is the most likely pattern?

Yang Deficiency.

Case: A patient with Yang Deficiency asks what foods to emphasize. What is the overall dietary recommendation?

Emphasize warm- and hot-energy foods while avoiding cold and raw foods.