Dry Cough & Night Sweats? It Could Be Lung Yin Deficiency.

What is "Lung Yin Deficiency"?

In Chinese Medicine, your body has two complementary energies: Yang (active, hot) and Yin (calm, cool, moist, nourishing). Your Lungs are considered a "delicate organ" that requires a constant supply of Yin fluids to stay moist and function properly.

Think of your Lungs like a beautiful, delicate sponge. They need to be kept perfectly moist to be soft, pliable, and effective.

"Lung Yin Deficiency" means this vital "moisture" has been depleted. The sponge has started to dry out.

When this happens, two things occur:

  • Dryness: There isn't enough fluid to moisten the Lungs and throat.
  • Empty Heat: Just like a pan that has boiled dry, the lack of fluid allows a low-grade, "empty" heat to arise. This isn't a true raging fire; it's a heat born from deficiency.

This pattern can develop after a feverish illness that "dries out" the body, from long-term smoking, or from living in a very dry environment.

You will likely experience a unique combination of "dryness" and "empty heat" symptoms:

  • The Classic Sign: A Dry Cough. The cough is tickly, irritating, and unproductive. It can be worse in the afternoon or at night. There may be a tiny amount of sticky sputum that is difficult to expectorate.
  • Dryness: A very dry mouth and throat, and a hoarse voice.
  • Empty Heat Signs:
    • A low-grade fever or a feeling of heat in the afternoon.
    • A sensation of heat in your palms, soles, and chest (Five Palm Heat).
    • Night Sweats: Waking up damp from sweat during the night is a key symptom.
    • Flushed cheeks (often just two "malar" patches on the cheekbones).
  • General: Thirst, but often for small sips rather than big gulps. A thin body shape.

Your acupressure treatment was designed to deeply nourish the Yin fluids, moisten the Lungs, and clear this empty heat.

Lifestyle Advice: Replenish Your Inner Dew

The entire strategy is focused on avoiding things that are drying and actively consuming things that build moisture. This is a slow, gentle process.

1. Your Diet Must Moisten and Cool:

  • AVOID Drying & Heating Foods: This is critical. You must stop fanning the low-grade flames. Eliminate or strictly limit:
    • Pungent, heating spices: Chilli, curry, raw garlic, raw onion, excessive ginger.
    • Coffee and alcohol.
    • Excessive red meat and greasy foods.
  • EAT Yin-Nourishing & Moistening Foods:
    • Pears are a superfood for the Lungs. Eat them fresh, steamed, or poached.
    • Other good fruits: Apples, bananas, persimmons.
    • Vegetables: Asparagus, spinach, seaweed.
    • Dairy: In moderation, small amounts of milk or butter can be beneficial for their moistening properties.
    • Other good foods: Almonds, pine nuts, honey (in moderation), and tofu.
  • Sip Fluids: Drink plenty of warm (not cold) water or herbal teas throughout the day.

2. Protect Your Lungs from Dryness:

  • Avoid Dry Environments: Use a humidifier, especially in your bedroom at night.
  • Breathe Through Your Nose: Your nasal passages are designed to warm and moisten the air before it reaches your delicate Lungs.

3. Rest is a Priority:

  • Yin is restored during rest, especially sleep. Prioritize a regular sleep schedule.
  • The "empty heat" can make you feel restless. Gentle meditation or mindfulness can help calm the mind and body.
  • Avoid intense, sweaty exercise, which can further deplete your precious fluids. Opt for gentle walking, Tai Chi, or Yin Yoga.

4. Acupressure at Home:
This combination is a classic prescription to nourish Lung Yin.

  • Lung 9 (Taiyuan - "Great Abyss"): The source point of the Lung channel, used to tonify both Lung Qi and Yin.
    • Location: On your inner wrist crease, in the depression just to the thumb-side of your radial artery (where you feel your pulse).
    • How to: Apply gentle but steady pressure for 1-2 minutes.
  • Kidney 6 (Zhaohai - "Shining Sea"): A master point for nourishing Yin throughout the entire body and specifically for soothing a dry, sore throat.
    • Location: In the depression directly below the tip of your inner ankle bone.
    • How to: Apply steady pressure for 1-2 minutes.

Replenishing Yin is like rehydrating a dry garden. It takes time and consistent, gentle watering. Be patient with your body as it soaks up this deep nourishment.