First, staying up late. If you frequently stay up late, or even remain awake past midnight (the Zishi period), you will become prone to symptoms of Liver Yang deficiency over time, and various diseases will follow.

Second, consuming raw, cold, sweet, greasy, or spicy foods. Cold drinks and raw foods deplete Spleen Yang, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. Meanwhile, frequently eating sweet and heavy flavors causes abnormal flow of body fluids and generates phlegm-dampness. Dampness is a Yin evil—heavy, turbid, and sticky—which can obstruct the circulation of Yang Qi, leading to Yang stagnation and Yang deficiency.

Third, improper exercise. While exercise is beneficial to health, incorrect methods can actually dissipate Yang energy. For individuals already suffering from symptoms of Qi and blood deficiency, their ability to retain Yang energy is already compromised. Forcing intense exercise in such a state will lead to further dissipation, making the Yang energy even weaker.

Do you understand now?