Today we are going to look at another diagnosis in Chinese Medicine Fertility Acupuncture….KIDNEY YIN DEFICIENCY.
In Chinese Medicine, Yin is the feminine energy of the body, in direct relation to Yang, the masculine energy. We need both in balance to sustain life and for optimum health. Each organ has a balance of Yin and Yang, although if the organ is deficient, the Yin or Yang energy can also become deficient.
In Western Medicine, Yin relates to oestrogen, FSH and AMH. Therefore, if Kidney Yin is deficient, AMH may be low or low in relation to age, FSH may be elevated and oestrogen may be low. This affects the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, follicle development and egg quantity and quality. It can also lead to thin uterine lining, especially if there is also deficiency of blood.
Fertility issues with Kidney Yin deficiency:
- Low AMH
- Low oestrogen
- High FSH
- Poor egg/embryo quality
- Short or long follicular phase
- Thin uterine lining
- Decreased cervical mucus at ovulation
In Chinese Medicine, the qualities of Yin energy are cooling and nourishing. It is an evening and night-time energy, associated with darkness and rest. If your Kidney Yin is deficient, you may experience the following symptoms, especially in the evening and night-time.
How does this manifest in symptoms?
1. Restlessness
As the Yin should provide restful energy and calm, when it is deficient, you may feel irritable, restless or anxious.
2. Frequent waking and feeling hot and/or thirsty at night
As Yin dominates the night time, deficient Yin would fail to sufficiently cool the body, especially at night, resulting in hot palms and feet in bed, night sweats and frequent waking with thirst.
3. Ear ringing
Each organ is ‘in charge’ of a sensory organ. The Kidneys support the ears. When Kidney Yin is deficient, the restless energy can result in a dull tinnitus or ringing in the ears.
4. Overactive Thyroid
It is important to get a blood test for both the thyroid (any day of your cycle) and progesterone (7 days after ovulation). Hyperthyroidism is associated with Kidney Yin deficiency and may affect the immune system which could affect implantation.
5. Fear or Anxiety
In Chinese Medicine, the Kidney energy is associated with the emotion, ‘fear’. Therefore with weak Kidneys energy, you may suffer from anxiety or fears, whether the Yin or Yang is deficient.
6. Tongue – cracked and red
In Chinese Medicine, tongue diagnosis forms a part of the consultation process. A Yin deficient tongue would be cracked, dry and possibly red, due to the heat produced.
7. Fertility Issues
Low AMH or reduced follicles on an antral follicle count (AFC) seen via transvaginal scan, especially with a high FSH, would indicate lower ovarian reserve and therefore an issue with Kidney Yin deficiency not supporting the production and quality of eggs.
How to support the Kidney Yin:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture to strengthen Kidney Yin, focuses on the Kidney channel on the leg and abdomen. It is important to strengthen the Yin during the follicular phase to stimulate the ovaries.
Rest and Meditation
The Kidney naturally declines with age, corresponding with fertility also naturally declining with age. To support the Kidney, we shouldn’t live a hectic lifestyle, in terms of work-life balance, but make time for meditation and rest.
Eat cooling foods
Yin foods such as cucumber, chicken and eggs support the Yin. However, check if you first have interactions with other diagnoses such as Kidney Yang deficiency, Spleen deficiency and Damp, in which case warm foods are advised.
Have a great week and hope to see you in clinic soon!
Natalia
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