Yang Deficiency (阳虚) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern characterized by insufficient warming, activating, and metabolic functions in the body, typically affecting the Kidney and Spleen systems. This manifests as persistent cold hands and feet even in summer, low libido, erectile dysfunction, lower back and knee pain, frequent nighttime urination, morning diarrhea, and fatigue worse in cold weather. The tongue shows a pale (almost white) color, swollen with scalloped edges, thin white wet coating, and excessive saliva. In this case, a 45-year-old accountant with 3 years of progressive symptoms was diagnosed via AI tongue analysis with 98.1% accuracy. Treatment used Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill), a classical formula containing prepared Aconite and Cinnamon to powerfully warm Kidney Yang, combined with Rehmannia to nourish underlying Yin. Lifestyle modifications included avoiding all cold/raw foods, eating warming foods (ginger, cinnamon, lamb), moxibustion therapy, and keeping the lower back and feet warm constantly. Results were dramatic: by week 4, libido returned with normal morning erections and back pain reduced 60%, and by week 6, complete resolution of cold extremities, normal sexual function, sustained energy, and 90% Yang deficiency pattern resolution confirmed by AI follow-up analysis.
Significant improvement typically occurs within 4-6 weeks with proper treatment. In this case, hands/feet began warming by week 2, libido returned by week 4, and complete resolution occurred by week 6. However, Yang deficiency that took years to develop often requires 3-6 months of treatment for complete stabilization, and some patients benefit from seasonal maintenance formulas during winter.
Yang Deficiency and low testosterone often overlap but aren't identical. Yang Deficiency is a broader functional pattern affecting metabolism, warmth generation, and energy across multiple systems (digestive, urinary, sexual, circulatory). Low testosterone is one biochemical marker that can result from Kidney Yang deficiency. Many Yang deficiency patients show normal testosterone levels, while others benefit from combined TCM and hormone therapy.
Emphasize warming, Yang-tonifying foods: lamb, venison, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, walnuts, black beans, shrimp, cinnamon tea, bone broths cooked with warming spices. Completely avoid cold/raw foods (salads, iced drinks, sushi, cold fruits), as these further drain Yang. Cook all meals, and eat foods warm or hot. Winter squash, sweet potato, and oats are good carb sources.
Moderate exercise helps by circulating Qi and generating Yang warmth, but excessive exercise depletes Yang further. Recommended: gentle walking, tai chi, qigong, light weights. Avoid: intense cardio, cold-weather outdoor training, exhaustive workouts. The key is consistency with moderate activity rather than sporadic intense exercise. Stop before exhaustion sets in.
In TCM, Kidney Yang provides the 'fire' for sexual function - arousal, erectile capacity, and reproductive vitality. When Kidney Yang is deficient, this fire is weak, leading to low libido, poor erectile quality, and cold extremities. The mechanism involves poor circulation to the pelvis and insufficient metabolic fire. Restoring Kidney Yang with herbs like Aconite and Cinnamon directly addresses the root cause, which is why function often returns within 4-6 weeks.
Color: Pale, almost white
Shape: Swollen, scalloped edges
Coating: Thin white, very wet
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from Golden Cabinet)
• Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite) - 9g - Strongly warm Kidney Yang
• Rou Gui (Cinnamon bark) - 6g - Warm Kidney, strengthen Yang
• Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia) - 24g - Nourish Kidney Yin
• Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus) - 12g - Stabilize Kidney
• Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) - 12g - Tonify Spleen/Kidney
• Ze Xie (Alisma) - 10g - Drain dampness
• Fu Ling (Poria) - 10g - Strengthen Spleen
• Mu Dan Pi (Tree Peony bark) - 10g - Clear deficiency heat
Cold: No more cold extremities
Libido: Normal function restored
Energy: Sustained energy, no fatigue
This AI-powered tongue analysis tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided should not replace professional medical consultation.
Important: Always consult with a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, qualified healthcare provider, or physician before making any health decisions or starting any treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information obtained from this tool.
Note: While our AI models are trained on extensive datasets, no automated system is 100% accurate. Results may vary and should be verified by qualified health professionals. If you experience any serious symptoms or health concerns, seek immediate medical attention.