Field Guide
TCM — Yin Deficiency
Yin is the cooling, moistening, restorative substance. When deficient, heat and dryness rise — often seen in perimenopause, chronic stress, and burnout.
The clinical picture
Symptoms, causes & labs
Common symptoms
- Night sweats, warm palms and soles
- Dry mouth, dry eyes, dry skin
- Insomnia, especially waking after midnight
- Afternoon flushing, hot flashes
Possible root causes
- Chronic overwork without rest
- Aging, perimenopause/andropause
- Excessive stimulants, spicy foods, alcohol
Labs a practitioner may consider
- TCM pulse and tongue diagnosis
- Sex hormone panel, cortisol rhythm, thyroid (as Western correlates)
Where you have leverage
Common lifestyle changes that help
These are the foundational shifts most often used alongside clinical care for this pattern. Start with one; layer in the next only when the first feels automatic. Discuss anything major with your practitioner.
- Cooling, moistening foods: pears, seaweed, black sesame, tofu, duck, eggs
- Avoid spicy, fried foods, alcohol, and coffee (all deplete yin)
- Bed by 10pm — staying up late is the fastest way to burn yin
- Gentle yin practices: restorative yoga, meditation, breathwork
- Reduce stimulation: screens, noise, over-scheduling
Is this pattern showing up in your body?
Take our physician-designed assessment — 8 minutes, 80 questions across 25 root-cause categories.
Related categories
Medical disclaimer
This page is educational only. It is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not self-treat based on the information here. If you have symptoms, consult a licensed healthcare professional.