Some men, as they age slightly, gradually begin to feel inadequate. For instance, they may experience failure to achieve an erection at the critical moment, lack of firmness, premature ejaculation upon contact, or an inability to sustain performance. Once these symptoms appear, they immediately assume they have a kidney deficiency. However, after taking various tonics, not only do they see no improvement, but their condition actually worsens. They are left wondering what the cause could be.

It is important to note that Yang energy must be able to reach the kidneys smoothly. The human body only has a finite amount of Yang energy, which needs to be distributed evenly and directed to where it is needed. If you supplement Yang but it cannot reach the kidneys—instead constantly rising upward—then not only will your symptoms of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction fail to improve, but you will also develop acne, a dry mouth and tongue, a sore throat, and other symptoms of "internal heat." Therefore, blindly tonifying kidney Yang is ineffective.

To ensure that Yang energy flows smoothly to the kidneys, one must pay attention to the health of the spleen and stomach. Located in the center of the body (the Middle Jiao), the spleen and stomach serve as a vital passage for Yang energy as it circulates up and down. If the Middle Jiao is blocked, the flow of Yang energy will be obstructed, leading to an uneven distribution throughout the body. In such cases, symptoms may include cold limbs, abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, and "internal heat" (Shanghuo) after taking even a small amount of tonic, yet suffering from diarrhea immediately after taking heat-clearing medicine. Upon examining the tongue, one might see a pale tongue body with a red tip and a greasy yellow coating. These signs indicate a blockage in the Middle Jiao. It is necessary to clear this pathway and restore the circulation of Yang energy before attempting any further supplementation.