Often, lower back pain is frequently attributed to kidney deficiency. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this type of deficiency is also not uncommon in women. Deficiency of the kidneys can happen to anyone, and can be divided into various types, including yin deficiency of the kidneys, yang deficiency of the kidney, and deficiency of kidney qi. These can lead to dizziness, tinnitus, weakness in the waist and knees, cold hands and feet, among other symptoms. Yin deficiency of the kidneys is more common in young people, which is mainly related to various unhealthy habits of urban residents. To alleviate these issues, you can seek guidance from Chinese Medicine practitioners who offers methods for improvements and dietary recommendations below:
Typical Signs of Kidney Yin Deficiency
- Regular dizziness and tinnitus
- Frequent soreness and pain in the lower back and knees
- Premature ejaculation in men
- Hypomenorrhea or amenorrhea in women
- Insomnia, forgetfulness
- Dry mouth and throat
- Frequent hot flushes, sweating while sleeping
- Scanty urine with a yellowish hue
- Extreme weight loss/thinness
Causes of Yin Deficiency of Kidneys
Dr. Wang Hui-Min, a Chinese Medicine practitioner, pointed out that the yin of the kidneys refer to the "yin fluid" and "yin blood" of the kidney. These substances are important body fluids of the human body and can moisturise the body. When the yin of the kidney is strong, these fluid and blood are in abundance, leading to soft and moisturised skin. In contrast, yin deficiency of the kidney manifests as insufficient fluids and blood, resulting in a lack of moisture within the body. This can give rise to various symptoms, including dry and lax skin, dry eyes, and decreased menstrual flow. Additionally, one may also experience feelings of anxiety, easy irritability and difficulty falling asleep at night. Yin deficiency of the kidneys leads to a depletion of blood within the body, giving rise to internal heat, hot flushes, anxiety, dryness of the mouth and throat, and various other symptoms. The causes of yin deficiency of the kidney can be summarised as follows:
- Regularly staying up late
- Fondness for spicy foods
- Persistent feelings of sadness or emotional distress
- Engaging in excessive sexual activities
- Long-term illness adversely affecting the kidneys
- Inherent insufficiency of yin fluids within the kidneys from birth
Recommended Dietary Choices for Nourishing Kidney Yin Deficiency
Teng Hui-Ying, a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner, suggests two types of teas for individuals with yin deficiency of the kidneys to promote improvement. The first is mulberry and goji berry tea, which nourishes the yin of the kidneys, which also supports liver health, enhances eyesight, and alleviates dryness of the mouth and throat. However, it is not suitable for diabetics or individuals with spleen and stomach deficiencies, such as those experiencing loose stools.
According to Chinese Medicine principles, the consumption of foods representing the five different colors (red, green, yellow, white, and black) is believed to nourish various internal organs. Black-colored foods specifically correspond to the kidneys, which means that incorporating more black foods into the diet can support kidney health. Examples of black foods include black sesame, black fungus, silkie chicken, black beans, and mulberries. Additionally, walnuts, cashew nuts, chestnuts, and goji berries are beneficial for kidney nourishment. In your daily life, there are several important tips to consider for nurturing and invigorating the kidneys. These tips should not be underestimated, particularly for the elderly and women. Adequate sleep, maintaining warmth, especially during the monsoon seasons are essential. Taking advantage of sunny days and exposing oneself to more sunlight can help warm the body's meridians. Keeping the lower limbs warm is also crucial. Before bedtime, one can boil mugwort leaves and ginger in water, allow it to cool slightly, and soak their feet for a while to promote body warmth before sleep.
Nutritional Approach for Addressing Kidney Yin Deficiency
Teng Hui-Ying, a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner, suggests two types of teas for individuals with yin deficiency of the kidneys to promote improvement. The first is mulberry and goji berry tea, which nourishes the yin of the kidneys, which also supports liver health, enhances eyesight, and alleviates dryness of the mouth and throat. However, it is not suitable for diabetics or individuals with spleen and stomach deficiencies, such as those experiencing loose stools.
Mulberry and Goji Berry Tea
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Ingredients:
10 dry black mulberries, 10 goji berries and 800ml water -
Method:
Wash the ingredients and put them in a cup and steep in hot water for 10 minutes
The second recommended tea is the red dates, longan, and goji berry tea, which has a warming effect on the kidneys, dispels cold, and nourishes the yin and blood. Goji berry itself is gentle in nature and invigorates the kidneys, making it suitable for most people. This tea can also provide relief from cold hands and feet, "cold uterus" symptoms, and dysmenorrhea. However, individuals prone to indigestion and bloating should consume it with caution.
Red Dates, Longan and Goji Berry Tea
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Ingredients:
2 to 3 red dates, 10 goji berries, 2 to 3 longan and 500ml water -
Method:
Wash the ingredients, remove the pits from the red dates. Then steep red dates and longan in hot water for 15 minutes, let it cool down a bit, add goji berries and steep for another 5 minutes
Sources:
1. [Chinese Medicine class] Deficiency of the kidney is not a kidney disease = impotence? 6 Major Causes Diet Therapy Acupuncture Point Eat More Black Food for Kidney Nourishment
2. Kidney Nourishment Tea｜ Deficiency of the kidneys = Shenkui = Poor Kidney Function? Black bean and goji Berry 6 kinds of tea therapy to nourish the yin and kidney and prevent insomnia
