Research on Evolution of the Concept of"Yin Deficiency"
LI Yaqi
ZHANG Zhuo
WANG Li
ZHANG Zefeng
LI Zhujiang
WU Yixuan
JI Shiyu
GAO Yingzhe
XIE Guangjing
WANG Ping
HUANG Panpan
Abstract：As a common pathological mechanism in various clinical diseases,Yin deficiency represents one of the intrinsic patterns and fundamental principles underlying pathological changes at certain stages of disease manifestation and progression.Since the Inner Canon of Huangdi,the concept of Yin deficiency has evolved from theoretical descriptions of its pathogenesis to practical clinical diagnosis and treatment.Across different historical contexts,it encompassed multiple connotations including deficiency of essential substances,insufficiency of organ Yin,depletion of vital energy in Yin meridians,and pulse deficiency.During the pre-Qin period,the concept was initially vague and intertwined with Qi.The Han Dynasty refined it by incorporating pulse diagnosis.Theoretical maturity was achieved in the Jin-Yuan eras,while the Ming-Qing periods emphasized the substantial nature of"Yin"itself,advancing clinical diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.By integrating horizontal summarization and vertical comparison of classical texts,this study elucidates the theoretical system of Yin deficiency and delineates the evolution of its conceptual independence and extensions.This paper aims to leverage the theoretical strengths of traditional Chinese medicine to inform modern clinical treatment of Yin deficiency disorders.
Keywords：Yin deficiencyConceptionOrigin and developmentEvolution
Publication Date：2026-01-28
Online Publishing Date：2026-01-30(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：3( 102-104 )