Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
Written By Sarah Kwan & Katie Kwan
Expression: Hot flashes & Night sweats
Pattern: Kidney Yin Stagnation
*Traditional Chinese Medicine treats the individual, not just the symptom. The information and recipes provided here are intended as an introduction to a long-standing healing tradition, not as personal medical advice*
KIDNEY YIN STAGNATION
WHAT IS KIDNEY YIN?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Kidney system is regarded as the body's deepest reserve of vitality. It governs growth, reproduction, development, aging, bone health, hearing, and the body's capacity to recover from physical and emotional demands. The Kidneys are understood as both a functional system and a symbolic network, not simply the physical kidneys.
Kidney Yin refers to the cooling, nourishing, moistening, and restorative aspect of this system. It provides the substance that replenishes the body after activity, regulates heat, supports hormonal transitions, and anchors the nervous system. It is also closely associated with Jing, or Essence, the body's foundational reserve that gradually changes throughout life.
Kidney Yin naturally declines with age. In TCM, this is understood as a normal transition rather than a disease.
HOW IS A PATTERN OF KIDNEY YIN STAGNATION EXPRESSED?
When Kidney Yin becomes depleted, the body has fewer resources to cool, nourish, and restore itself. Heat symptoms may develop because there is insufficient Yin to maintain balance. Symptoms or expression may include:
hot flashes
night sweats
waking during the night
difficulty falling or staying asleep
anxiety
feeling wired but tired
dry skin, hair, eyes, or mouth
vaginal dryness
low libido
ringing in the ears
dizziness
aching low back or knees
brain fog
fatigue despite adequate rest
reduced resilience
irregular or changing menstrual cycles
WHEN DOES THIS APPEAR IN A WOMAN’S LIFECYCLE?
Liver qi stagnation emerges during periods when a woman must continuously hold, manage, suppress, adapt, or carry more than the body can smoothly move. It is associated with. It can appear at any stage of life, but it is especially common during periods of transition, emotional pressure, constrained identity, or chronic stress.
In adolescence, as menstruation begins and emotions intensify, stagnation may appear as PMS, mood swings, irritability, painful periods, emotional volatility and headaches. The Liver system is connected to menstruation and emotional flow, so hormonal shifts can amplify underlying stagnation.
In mid-life, especially during the reproductive years, women are expected to be the carers, constantly prioritizing and adapting to others’ needs while remaining emotionally regulated and restrained. This prolonged emotional containment and tension can constrain Liver qi and may be experienced as resentment, burnout, PMS and digestive issues
In perimenopause, not only are women experiencing hormonal shifts but a major energetic transition requiring adaptation and conservation of resources. This is a period where Liver qi stagnation often surfaces or combines with deeper depletion patterns.
SUPPORTING KIDNEY YIN DEFICIENCY
Supporting Kidney Yin emphasizes replenishment rather than stimulation. The aim is to restore the body's capacity for recovery while supporting healthy adaptation during midlife and beyond..
FOOD THERAPY
Foods that support Kidney Yin are generally nourishing, hydrating, mineral-rich, and gently prepared. Slow-cooked meals and foods rich in healthy fats and natural fluids are traditionally favored.
Lightly warming food
Black sesame seeds – One of the classic foods for nourishing Kidney and Liver yin. Rich in healthy fats, calcium, and antioxidants.
Black beans – Traditionally associated with strengthening the Kidneys and providing deep nourishment.
Eggs (especially duck eggs, but chicken eggs are excellent too) – Considered nourishing to yin and blood.
Goji berries – Gently nourish Liver and Kidney yin while supporting the eyes and blood.
Asian pears – Moisten dryness and help clear deficiency heat.
Tremella (snow fungus) – Highly valued for replenishing fluids and supporting dry skin, lungs, and yin.
Chinese yam (shan yao) – Nourishes Kidney yin while also supporting digestion, making it suitable for long-term use.
Oysters or clams – Traditionally used to nourish yin and anchor yang; also rich in zinc and other minerals.
Black rice – A nourishing staple that supports Kidney essence and blood.
Walnuts – While slightly warming, they're considered deeply nourishing to the Kidneys and are especially helpful if fatigue accompanies yin deficiency.
Silken Tofu with Sesame & Scallions
Silken tofu is traditionally considered nourishing and moistening, while sesame seeds are valued for supporting the Liver and Kidneys and replenishing Yin. Together, they create a simple meal that is especially comforting during periods of dryness or depletion.
1 (14–16 oz) block silken tofu
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp toasted black sesame seeds
1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds (optional)
1 tbsp tamari or light soy sauce
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar (optional)
½ tsp flaky sea salt (optional, to taste)
Carefully remove the silken tofu from its package and drain off any excess water. Place it on a serving plate or shallow bowl.
Slice the tofu into large cubes or gently spoon it into rustic pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari, sesame oil, and vinegar.
Spoon the dressing evenly over the tofu.
Scatter the scallions and sesame seeds over the top.
MOVEMENT THERAPY
Kidney Yin is supported by movement that restores rather than exhausts. Gentle exercise encourages circulation while preserving the body's reserves. Movement that supports Kidney Yin Deficiency.
walking
swimming
tai chi
restorative yoga
gentle strength training
stretching
breathwork
meditation
adequate rest between exercise sessions
Kidney Tapping (Shen Shu Tapping)
Stand with your feet about hip-width apart, knees soft and shoulders relaxed.
Rest your hands on your lower back to locate the area just above your waist on either side of the spine. In TCM, this region corresponds to the Kidney area.
Make loose fists or keep your hands gently cupped.
Begin lightly tapping the muscles on either side of the spine. Avoid tapping directly on the bones of the spine.
Continue tapping with a relaxed, even rhythm for one to three minutes. Allow your wrists to stay loose rather than striking with force.
As you tap, breathe slowly into your lower abdomen. Let your jaw soften and allow your shoulders to drop away from your ears.
After finishing, place both palms over your lower back. Take several slow breaths and notice any sensations of warmth, relaxation, or ease.
HERBAL THERAPY
The herbs most commonly used to support Liver qi are typically aromatic and encourage gentle dispersion and movement. Rather than strongly tonifying or sedating, they help encourage the smooth flow of qi, especially when there is tension, frustration, stress, or a sense of being "stuck.”
Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang / 熟地黄)
Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi / 枸杞子)
Chinese yam (Shan Yao / 山药)
Ligustrum fruit (Nu Zhen Zi / 女贞子)
Eclipta (Mo Han Lian / 墨旱莲)
Ophiopogon root (Mai Men Dong / 麦门冬)
Kidney Yin Herbal Broth
This gentle infusion is traditionally used to nourish yin, replenish body fluids, and ease the dryness and internal heat associated with perimenopause. Most ingredients availabe online or at your local Asian grocer.
20 g dried goji berries
20 g dried Chinese yam (shan yao)
15 g dried lily bulb (bai he)
15 g tremella (snow fungus)
5–6 red dates
6 cups water
Simmer gently for 45–60 minutes. Drink the broth and eat the ingredients
