Yang deficiency is a concept in Chinese medicine that basically relates to inadequate heat in the body. This typically shows up as sluggish digestion, bloating and/or fatigue after eating, either constipation or loose stools, as well as cold hands, feet and/or torso. Another common symptom of yang deficiency is a pale, swollen tongue, often with teethmarks around the edges.
In Chinese medicine terms, yang deficiency is most often associated with insufficient Spleen (digestive fire) strength, as well as low Kidney energy, which is associated with urinary and sexual function as well as having a sore lower back.
The basic principles for building yang with diet are the same as for building qi (please see the “Building Digestive Strength” page), with maintenance of vigorous digestive fire being the goal. The major differences are that:
- Raw foods as well as cold drinks are to be strictly avoided. This includes raw salads.
- Specific foods for warming the Spleen and Kidneys are included.
Spleen yang deficiency is a degree more severe than Spleen qi deficiency, resulting in less digestive energy and more coldness in the body. The basic diet structure is the same but with more warming foods and spices.
It is helpful to simultaneously build Spleen and Kidney yang, as they are mutually supporting. Notice that quite a few of the foods and spices listed below strengthen both.
Supporting the Spleen
In addition to foods suitable for qi deficiency, there is an additional emphasis placed on more warming items such as rice, oats, parsnips, sweet potato, onion, leeks, stocks and broths, lamb, chicken, beef, shrimp, stewed fruit (yum!) and chestnuts.
Also, add more warming spices such as ginger (dry is more warming than fresh), clove, cayenne, cardamom, cinnamon, rosemary, turmeric and nutmeg.
Strengthening the Kidneys
Clove, fenugreek, fennel seed, black pepper, cinnamon, dry ginger, rosemary, walnut, chestnut, pistachio, lamb, salmon, black beans, onion, leek, chives, mussel, lamb and beef kidney (sorry vegetarians!)
Avoid
Raw fruits and veggies, sprouts and salads, spinach, tomato, soybean, tofu, glutinous rice, millet, kelp and seaweeds, excessive salt and sweet food, dairy, vinegar, nuts and seeds, soymilk, refrigerated and iced drinks
Also, please remember that this is a partial list. I recommend you look at Paul Pitchford`s classic “Healing with Whole Foods – Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition“ for more detailed information about eating according to the principles of Chinese medicine, as well as more information about specific foods.
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