Obesity - Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for obesity with Yin
Obesity · Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat is a pattern in obesity, characterized
by **sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity, leptin resistance, weight
gain, irritability, and night sweats. The core pathogenesis is Yin
deficiency failing to control Yang**, leading to internal Heat,
sympathetic activation, and metabolic dysregulation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
intolerance |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
constipation |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
overactivity |
| Etiology |
|---|
constitutional Yin deficiency |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Zhaohai (KI6) | 1 cun below the medial malleolus |
|---|
and clears deficiency heat |
| Neiting (ST44) | Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones |
|---|
point of Stomach; clears Stomach Heat |
| Rangu (KI2) | Medial foot, below the navicular tuberosity |
|---|
point of Kidney; clears Kidney Heat |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method for
Yin-nourishing points, reducing method for Heat-clearing points.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (知柏地黄丸)
Composition:
Anemarrhena (Zhi Mu), Phellodendron (Huang Bai), Rehmannia (Shu Di),
Dioscorea (Shan Yao), Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu), Poria (Fu Ling), Moutan (Mu
Dan Pi), Alisma (Ze Xie)
Action: Nourishes Yin, clears deficiency heat, and regulates
metabolism.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe night sweats |
|---|
|
| Irritability | Add Zhi Zi, Dan Pi to clear deficiency heat |
|---|
| Dry mouth | Add Mai Dong, Tian Hua Fen to generate fluids |
|---|
| Constipation | Add Huo Ma Ren, Yu Li Ren to moisten the intestines |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity causing increased energy
metabolism, leptin resistance, and reduced fat breakdown. Yin Deficiency
with Internal Heat corresponds to obesity with sympathetic
hyperactivity, where increased sympathetic tone and leptin resistance
contribute to metabolic dysregulation.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Obesity with Yin Deficiency and Internal
Heat.
2. DB-TCMJB: Kidney-Yin Deficiency.
3. WHO. (2023). Obesity fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for metabolic
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM obesity management.
Related TCM Patterns for Obesity
- Stomach Heat with Dampness
- Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness
- Liver-Qi Stagnation
- Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.