In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Yin refers to the cooling, moistening, and nourishing aspect of the body that helps keep everything in balance.
Yin is made up of the body’s vital fluids — such as Blood, body fluids, and essence — that hydrate tissues, calm the mind, and regulate body temperature.

When Yin becomes deficient, these nourishing fluids are depleted. Without enough Yin, the body can feel too warm, dry, and restless, and it may not have enough moisture to keep organs and tissues healthy.

Common signs associated with Yin Deficiency in TCM

• Feeling warm or hot, especially in the afternoon or evening
• Night sweats
• Dry mouth, throat, eyes, or skin
• Restlessness or irritability
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Feeling dizzy
• Red tongue with little or no coating
• Prone to constipation
• Prefers cold drinks
• Scanty and dark urine

Additional signs sometimes linked to women’s health:

• Hot flashes
• Irregular menstrual cycles

Note: These signs are based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and may also be present in other health conditions. Please look after yourself and check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Causes of Yin Deficiency

In TCM, Yin Deficiency often develops because:

• Overwork or chronic stress gradually consumes the body’s cooling, moistening, and nourishing fluids, leaving it overheated and dry.
• Long-term illness or recovery from illness can deplete Yin fluids and essence, making it harder for the body to stay balanced.
• Excessive intake of warming foods and drinks — such as spicy dishes, fried foods, and alcohol — can “burn off” Yin over time.
• Natural aging gradually reduces Yin, making dryness, heat sensations, and restlessness more common over time.

Daily Tips to Support Your Yin

• Include Yin-nourishing foods such as tofu, black sesame seeds, goji berries and pork in your meals. Foods with sour and sweet flavors support the production of Yin in the body.
• Avoid excessive spicy, hot foods like chili and garlic, as well as alcohol, which can deplete Yin.
• Make time for rest and relaxation — avoid pushing yourself too hard.
• Stay hydrated with room-temperature or warm water instead of icy drinks.

Yin-Supporting Foods You Can Add to Your Diet

Grains – Wheat, Barley, Millet
Meat & Seafood – Duck, Pork, Silkie chicken, Abalone, Oyster, Scallop, Mussel, Octopus, Squid, Crab
Vegetables & Fruits – Japanese mustard spinach, Asparagus, Carrot, Spinach, Chinese cabbage, Bitter melon, Lotus root, Cucumber, Zucchini, Tomato, Celery, Mung beans, Watermelon, Melon, Apple, Kiwi, Mango, Strawberry, Grape, Pear, Lemon
Others – Goji berries, Pine nuts, Sunflower seeds, Black sesame, White sesame, Eggs, Tofu, White fungus, Cheese, Milk, Soy milk