Patient's question:
Why have my waist been a bit hot and sore these past few days? What factors or causes could this be? Is it possible that it's related to kidney problems? Can I take Qiangyang Baoshen Wan for this?Doctor's answer:
This involves a term in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and also clinical syndromes. Kidney deficiency is mainly divided into four aspects: one is kidney yin deficiency, one is kidney yang deficiency, one is kidney meridian deficiency, and one is kidney qi deficiency. The concept of "kidney deficiency" as described in traditional medicine refers not only to the anatomical kidney but also to an important organ with a wide range of physiological functions, directly or indirectly related to human reproduction, growth and development, digestion, endocrine metabolism, and more. "Kidney deficiency" is also a broad concept, including related diseases of the urinary system, reproductive system, endocrine metabolism system, nervous and mental system, as well as many other systems such as digestion, blood, and respiration.Guidance: The symptoms of kidney deficiency are numerous and can be summarized as follows:
Cognitive Symptoms of Kidney Deficiency:
- Memory decline
- Reduced concentration
- Lack of energy
- Decreased work efficiency
Emotional Symptoms of Kidney Deficiency:
- Poor mood
- Difficulty controlling emotions
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Depression
Willpower Symptoms of Kidney Deficiency:
- Lack of confidence
- Lack of motivation at work
- Lack of passion for life
- Lack of goals and direction
Sexual Function Symptoms of Kidney Deficiency:
- Reduced sexual function in men: decreased sexual interest, reduced libido, impotence or weak erection, premature ejaculation, spermatorrhea, and reduced sperm count or motility under microscopic examination, leading to infertility.
- In women: underdeveloped uterus (e.g., infantile uterus), early menopause, irregular menstruation, decreased libido, and infertility.
Urinary Symptoms of Kidney Deficiency:
- Frequent urination
- Urinary hesitancy
- Clear and long-lasting urine
Other Symptoms of Kidney Deficiency:
- Premature aging, forgetfulness, insomnia
- Poor appetite
- Bone and joint pain
- Weakness in the lower back and knees
- Fatigue
- Reduced vision
- Reduced hearing
- Hair loss or premature graying
- Loose or falling teeth
Early Aging Symptoms of Kidney Deficiency:
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Puffy eyes
- Dull and lackluster skin
- Rough and dry skin
- Wrinkles
- Age spots
- Acne in middle age
- Lack of skin elasticity
- Hoarse voice
- Sagging breasts in women
- Fat accumulation in the waist and abdomen
- Early baldness in men
Differences Between Kidney Yang Deficiency and Kidney Yin Deficiency:
Clinically, kidney deficiency is more commonly divided into kidney yin deficiency and kidney yang deficiency. Both are types of kidney deficiency syndromes and can be distinguished by symptoms.
1. Kidney Yang Deficiency Symptoms:
- The most common symptom is lower back pain accompanied by coldness and numbness in the hands and feet, often with frequent urination.
- In detail, the symptoms of kidney yang deficiency generally progress as follows:
- Men first experience lower back pain, as the lower back is considered the "governing vessel of the kidneys." The pain is often accompanied by a feeling of coldness in the lower back, which is the most typical symptom of kidney yang deficiency.
- This can then spread to the entire body, causing a sensation of coldness throughout the body.
- Men with kidney yang deficiency can consider seafood and Chinese yam seeds when choosing foods to support kidney health.
- Recommended herbal remedies include Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Invigorating Pills) and Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan (Five Seeds Invigorating Pills).
2. Kidney Yin Deficiency Symptoms:
- In clinical practice, kidney yin deficiency symptoms are more common:
- Lower back and leg weakness
- Dry mouth
- Irritability
- Warm palms
- Excessive sweating
- Men with kidney yin deficiency who experience sexual dysfunction (e.g., impotence) can consume herbs like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Flavor Rehmannia Pills) to nourish kidney yin.
- Additionally, cooking porridge with mulberry seeds and goji berries is a good food option for supporting kidney health.
- It is important to note that in cases of kidney yin deficiency, the "fire" (internal heat) tends to be more intense, leading to "yin deficiency with internal heat." If warm-toned herbs for boosting yang are used in such cases, it is like adding fuel to the fire, exacerbating the condition.
- Conversely, if a person has kidney yang deficiency and feels cold, using yin-nourishing herbs would be like adding insult to injury, which can also be unbearable.
TCM Perspective on Kidney Yin and Yang:
TCM believes that all things are divided into yin and yang aspects, and the human kidney also has yin and yang components. Kidney dysfunction can be caused by either kidney yin deficiency or kidney yang deficiency. Therefore, when replenishing the kidneys, it is essential to identify the underlying cause and treat accordingly.
Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency in TCM Theory:
Kidney yin is a substance, while kidney yang and kidney qi are functions. If there is excessive consumption of substances, such as kidney essence, or if sexual activity is too frequent, or if there is excessive physical or mental exertion, or if one is born with a weak constitution, symptoms like lower back and knee weakness, fatigue, dizziness, tinnitus, hair loss, loose teeth, reduced memory, decreased libido, spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, etc., may occur, indicating kidney yin deficiency.
Kidney yin deficiency is prone to "internal heat," as TCM theory states that "yin deficiency generates internal heat," leading to symptoms like "five palms burning" (both palms, both soles, and the chest feeling hot) and night sweats (sweating while sleeping).
Young and middle-aged individuals with high activity levels (whether in studies or exercise) consume more substances and may have low libido but experience rapid ejaculation or spermatorrhea, indicating the need to nourish kidney yin.
Kidney Yang Deficiency Symptoms:
Kidney yang deficiency shares symptoms with kidney yin deficiency, such as lower back and knee weakness, fatigue, and decreased libido. As TCM theory states that "yang deficiency generates external cold," it can lead to symptoms like aversion to cold, pale complexion, fear of cold, cold hands and feet, clear and long-lasting urine, and thin stools.
Libido is relatively low, similar to hypogonadism in modern medicine.
Yang deficiency manifests externally, while yin deficiency manifests internally.
Kidney yin deficiency is prone to premature ejaculation and spermatorrhea, while kidney yang deficiency is more prone to impotence.
Common symptoms include lower back pain and fatigue.
Historical Medical Views on Kidney Deficiency:
TCM practitioners have long considered kidney deficiency to be one of the main causes of illness and aging in the elderly.
TCM holds that the essence of health lies in "yin balance and yang sealing, where the spirit is treated." In normal conditions, the functions of the five zang organs, six fu organs, qi and blood, limbs and bones, and the 14 meridians are in a state of yin and yang balance, achieving relative equilibrium.
Balance is the symbol of health.
As people age, aging occurs due to physiological states such as qi and blood deficiency, spiritual exhaustion, congenital deficiency, lack of nourishment in later life, insufficient kidney yin, hyperactivity of liver fire, accumulation of toxins, and blocked meridians.
A survey of 235 people over 20 years old found that the rate of kidney deficiency was 58% at 30, 71% at 40, 80% at 50, 90% at 60, and 95% at 70. This shows that the rate of kidney deficiency increases with age.
Therefore, early and effective regulation of the body's yin and yang, qi and blood, and zang organ functions, along with timely detoxification and correction of kidney deficiency, is key to slowing aging and preventing elderly diseases.
The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon on Aging:
"The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon" states, "When Tian Gui (the life-giving essence) is exhausted, essence is reduced, and the kidneys decline."
Famous TCM practitioner Yue Mei Zhong noted, "Aging begins with the exhaustion of the kidneys, which then affect other organs."
Zhu Dan Xi, in "Gai Zhi Yu Lun," wrote, "By the age of 60 or 70, essence and blood are exhausted. Even when doing nothing, there are symptoms of heat: dizziness, blurred vision, itchy skin, frequent urination, runny nose, falling teeth, excessive saliva, poor sleep, weak legs, deafness, forgetfulness, dizziness, dry intestines, dull face, falling hair, and blurred vision. These are all signs of blood deficiency."
This indicates that the exhaustion of essence and blood, accumulation of toxins, and blocked meridians are factors contributing to aging.
Kidney deficiency reflects the natural pattern of declining kidney essence in the elderly.
To help the elderly achieve health and longevity, it is essential to nourish the kidneys and detoxify, early treating kidney deficiency.
Expert Recommendations:
- Prevention of aging should start at 30.
- Anti-aging efforts should begin at 40.
- Extending lifespan should start at 60.
For kidney deficiency, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.
Treatment Methods for Kidney Deficiency:
Nourishing the kidneys involves different approaches based on whether the deficiency is in yin, yang, essence, or qi. However, there is a current trend of misusing health supplements, primarily focusing on kidney yang nourishment, leading to overuse of tonics. The misuse of health supplements and traditional Chinese medicine for kidney deficiency has led to adverse effects. As the old saying goes, "Medication is better than food, and food is better than spiritual nourishment." To pursue health and regulate kidney deficiency symptoms, focus on nutrition, lifestyle regulation, and physical exercise. Consumers should not be misled by "health supplements."
Kidney Nourishing Dietary Remedies:
There are many dietary methods for kidney deficiency. While dietary therapy is beneficial, it is slow-acting for severe cases. Like herbal medicine, dietary therapy requires a TCM diagnosis for appropriate use, so consultation with a TCM practitioner is recommended. For those with ample time, especially the elderly, dietary therapy under medical guidance can be effective if consistently followed.
The following are some dietary remedies for kidney deficiency:
1. Sea Cucumber Congee:
- 50 grams of soaked and chopped sea cucumber, 100 grams of glutinous rice, cooked into congee, seasoned with scallions, ginger, and salt.
- Benefits: Nourishes the kidneys and essence, replenishes yin and blood, suitable for weakness due to kidney yin deficiency, lower back and knee weakness, insomnia, and night sweats.
2. Goji Berry and Pig Kidney Congee:
- 10 grams of goji berries, one pig kidney (membrane removed, chopped), 100 grams of glutinous rice, and a small amount of scallions, ginger, and salt, cooked into congee.
- Benefits: Nourishes kidney yin and yang, consolidates essence and strengthens the lower back, suitable for kidney deficiency and fatigue, lower back and knee weakness, leg weakness, dizziness, and tinnitus.
3. Chinese Yam and Sheep Kidney Congee:
- 10 grams of Chinese yam, one sheep kidney (membrane removed, chopped), 100 grams of glutinous rice, cooked into congee.
- Benefits: Nourishes kidney yang and strengthens the lower back, suitable for cold limbs, lower back and knee pain, frequent urination, nocturia, and constipation in middle-aged and elderly individuals with kidney yang deficiency.
4. Deer Horn Glue Congee:
- 6 grams of deer horn glue, 100 grams of glutinous rice. Cook the glutinous rice into congee, then dissolve the deer horn glue in the hot congee and add sugar.
- Benefits: Nourishes kidney yang and replenishes essence and blood, suitable for body thinness, lower back and knee weakness and pain, spermatorrhea, and impotence due to insufficient kidney yang and essence deficiency.
5. Eucommia Bark and Kidney Flowers:
- 12 grams of Eucommia bark, decocted and filtered, then used as a seasoning for stir-fried kidney flowers (one pair of pig kidneys, membrane removed, cut into flowers).
- Benefits: Nourishes the liver and kidneys, strengthens the tendons and bones, and lowers blood pressure, suitable for lower back pain due to insufficient liver and kidney function, weakness in the lower back, dizziness, tinnitus, and hypertension in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
6. Roasted Walnut Kernels:
- 10 grams of roasted walnut kernels, chewed.
- Benefits: Nourishes the kidneys and warms the lungs, moisturizes the intestines and promotes bowel movement, suitable for lower back pain and weakness, or cold cough and constipation due to deficiency.
7. Three-Ingredient Egg Soup:
- 1 egg, remove the yolk, add 9 grams each of lotus seeds, Euryale seeds, and Chinese yam, and a small amount of sugar. Boil into a medicinal soup, eat the egg and drink the soup.
- Benefits: Treats kidney deficiency.
8. Euryale and Walnut Congee:
- 30 grams of Euryale, 20 grams of walnuts, 10 jujubes, and 50 grams of glutinous rice. Cook into congee and consume regularly.
- Benefits: Nourishes the kidneys and regulates qi, helping to stop shortness of breath.
9. Five-Flavor Snack:
- 150 grams of white beans, 10 grams of black sesame, 5 grams of walnut kernels, and 120 grams of sugar, 125 grams of lard. Make into snacks to eat.
- Benefits: Treats kidney deficiency.
10. Chinese Yam and Pork Meatballs:
- 200 grams of Chinese yam, 300 grams of pork, 30 grams of shiitake mushrooms, 1 egg white, 500 grams of peanut oil, a small amount of sesame oil, scallions, soy sauce, ginger, 5 grams of white pepper, 20 grams of starch, and an appropriate amount of salt. Mix all ingredients into meatballs and serve as a side dish.
- Benefits: Treats kidney deficiency.
11. Lamb and Glutinous Rice Congee:
- 150-250 grams of fresh lean lamb, an appropriate amount of glutinous rice. Wash the lamb, cut into pieces, and cook with glutinous rice.
- Benefits: Nourishes qi and blood, replenishes deficiency, warms the stomach and spleen, suitable for insufficient yang and qi deficiency, weakness, thinness, middle-aged stomach weakness, aversion to cold, lower back and knee weakness.
12. Lamb Stew:
- 500 grams of lamb, appropriate amounts of salt, cooking wine, scallions, ginger, and pepper. Stew into a soup to eat.
- Benefits: Nourishes kidney yang, replenishes essence, warms the lower back and knees, suitable for lower back pain, cold pain in both knees, weakness, impotence, spermatorrhea, and cold hands and feet due to kidney deficiency.
13. Quail and Chicken Soup:
- 1 quail, 200 grams of chicken, 10 grams of cooked vegetables, chicken soup, salt, pepper, and scallions. Stew into a soup to eat.
- Benefits: Nourishes the liver and kidneys, replenishes essence and blood, strengthens yang and treats impotence, dispels wind and detoxifies.
- Suitable for weakness, kidney deficiency and impotence, diabetes, and blood deficiency with menstrual irregularities in women.
Foods Suitable for Kidney Deficiency: