HOT FLUSHES.

Let’s talk about it.

Hot flushes can be more than just uncomfortable; they can disrupt your whole day (or night). If you’re here, you know how unsettling that sudden wave of heat can be. In Chinese medicine, we look past the surface symptoms to get to the core of what’s happening in your body, and hot flushes often trace back to the health of your Kidneys – more specifically, a condition we call Kidney Yin deficiency (Yin Xu).

What’s the Connection Between Hot Flushes and Kidney Health?

In Chinese medicine, the Kidneys are the root of our energy – they’re responsible for both yin (cooling and moistening) and yang (warming and activating) functions. When your Kidney Yin is depleted, it’s like running a car with low coolant: your internal system runs too hot. This internal heat is what shows up as those hot flushes, especially common during menopause or times of great physical or emotional stress.

Recognising the Signs of Kidney Yin Deficiency

Think you might have Kidney Yin deficiency? Here are some signs:

  • Hot flushes and night sweats - Classic indicators that your cooling system needs support.

  • Heat in the palms, soles, and chest - Known as "five-palm heat," it’s a tell-tale sign of yin depletion.

  • Dry mouth and throat - Constant dryness despite staying hydrated.

  • Dizziness - Especially when it feels like it’s not linked to anything specific.

  • Difficulty sleeping - Feeling restless or waking up in the night.

  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) - A high-pitched sound often points to yin deficiency.

What Causes Kidney Yin Deficiency?

If you’re experiencing hot flushes or other symptoms, it helps to know why this might be happening. Here are some common culprits:

  • Chronic Dehydration

    Not drinking enough water can deplete your yin over time. It sounds simple, but chronic dehydration is more common than we think.

  • Menopause

    This phase of life naturally puts a strain on the Kidneys, and yin is often the first to suffer.

  • Childbirth

  • Having a baby is an enormous energy drain, and it can take a while for your body to replenish what’s been lost, especially if you’re not getting proper nourishment or rest.

  • Certain Medications and Substances

    Some drugs can dry up body fluids or overstimulate your system, leading to yin deficiency.

  • Diet

    Too much of a good (or bad) thing, like spicy or fried foods, can tip the balance towards internal heat.

How Does This Compare to the Western View?

In Western medicine, hot flushes are often blamed on hormonal imbalances, especially during menopause when oestrogen drops. This disrupts the body’s temperature control, leading to sudden waves of heat. While the language is different, both perspectives see it as an imbalance—Chinese medicine just calls it a deficiency in cooling yin energy, while Western medicine points to a lack of oestrogen.

Five Simple Ways to Support Yourself at Home

Let’s get practical. If you’re tired of hot flushes catching you off guard, here are five things you can start doing now:

  1. Hydrate the Right Way

    Drink warm or room-temperature water throughout the day. It’s better for your system than icy drinks, which can mess with your digestion. Herbal teas like chrysanthemum or goji berry can also help.

  2. Adjust Your Diet

    Go for foods that nourish yin, like cucumber, watermelon, pears, and leafy greens. Cut back on heating foods like spicy dishes, alcohol, and anything deep-fried – they’ll only fan the flames.

  3. Get Proper Sleep

    It’s easier said than done, but quality sleep helps rebuild your yin. Create a calming bedtime routine, skip screens for at least an hour before bed, and keep your room cool and dark.

  4. Gentle Movement Over Intensity

    Swap high-intensity workouts for gentle, flowing exercises like Tai Chi or yoga. They’re great for circulation and relaxation without draining your energy.

  5. Try Acupressure

    Simple acupressure on points like Kidney 3 (Taixi) or Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao) can help balance yin and ease hot flushes. It’s easy to do at home and takes just a few minutes.

Want to Learn More? Watch My Acupressure Videos

If you’re looking to dig deeper and get hands-on with self-care, check out my acupressure video series designed to help reduce hot flushes and balance your Kidney health. Sign up to access them on YouTube here. OUT SOON!