"Nourishing the kidneys" has become a health trend in winter, but many people resort to Liuwei Dihuang Wan whenever they experience cold hands and feet, or soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees. However, kidney deficiency is divided into different types, each requiring distinct supplementation methods. Blindly tonifying the kidneys may harm the body instead. Below, we break down 5 common types of kidney deficiency to teach you precise regulation.

1. Kidney Yang Deficiency: Warm and Tonify True Yang to Combat Cold

Kidney yang, known as the "gate of life's fire," is the body's "little heating stove." Deficiency manifests as pronounced cold symptoms: aversion to cold and cold limbs, cold pain in the lower back and knees, clear and copious urine, loose stools, accompanied by a pale complexion and listlessness; women experience uterine cold and dysmenorrhea, while men are prone to sexual dysfunction. Regulation requires warming and tonifying, such as with Yougui Pills or Jinshen Qigi Pills. In daily life, pay attention to keeping the waist, abdomen, and feet warm, and avoid staying up late to deplete yang.

2. Kidney Qi Incontinence: Tonify the Kidneys to Strengthen Retention

Kidney Qi is responsible for retaining the body's vital essence; deficiency leads to weakened "locking power": frequent urination, dribbling after urination, or even enuresis; chronic diarrhea that is difficult to resolve; men experience seminal emission and premature ejaculation; women have thin, profuse leukorrhea, accompanied by fatigue and weakness, soreness in the lower back, and hearing loss. Regulation focuses on tonifying the kidneys and reinforcing retention, such as with Jinsuo Gujing Pills or Pule'an Tablets.

3. Spleen and Kidney Deficiency: Simultaneous Tonification Is Key

The spleen is the foundation of postnatal life, while the kidneys are the foundation of congenital essence. The two nourish each other. For those with spleen and kidney deficiency, symptoms include poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools, diarrhea upon waking, and a sallow complexion from spleen deficiency, as well as sore and cold lower back and knees, aversion to cold and cold limbs, and increased nighttime urination from kidney deficiency. Both the spleen and kidneys need to be regulated simultaneously. For reference, consider Jianpi Yishen Granules.

IV. Kidney Yin Deficiency: Nourish Yin and Clear Deficient Fire

Kidney Yin is the root of the body’s Yin fluids. Deficiency leads to internal dryness and heat: warm palms and soles, afternoon tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth and throat, red cheeks, insomnia, forgetfulness, a reddish tongue with thin coating. The core approach is to nourish Yin and reduce fire. For reference, consider Liuwei Dihuang Wan or Zuogui Wan. Additionally, avoid spicy, fried, and other warming and drying foods to prevent further depletion of Yin fluids.

V. Kidney Essence Deficiency: Replenish Essence and Strengthen the Foundation

Kidney essence governs reproduction and growth; deficiency leads to premature aging: children experience growth retardation and low intelligence; adults exhibit premature graying, hair loss, loose teeth, tinnitus, sore lower back, forgetfulness, low sperm count and infertility in men, and scanty menstruation in women. Regulation requires replenishing kidney essence; Ziyan Zong Wan can be chosen to fundamentally strengthen vitality.

Nourishing the kidneys in winter begins with pattern differentiation. If unsure of your own pattern, it is advisable to consult a professional physician and avoid blind medication.