Lumbar Disc Herniation - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Lumbar Disc Herniation · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Lower Back

Pattern Overview

Liver-Kidney Deficiency is the fundamental pattern in lumbar disc herniation, characterized by degenerative disc disease, chronic aching pain, weakness, and aggravation with overwork. The core pathogenesis is insufficient nourishment of the lumbar discs by Liver Blood and Kidney Essence, leading to accelerated disc degeneration, reduced elasticity, and increased susceptibility to herniation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Chronic aching pain in the lower back, weakness, recurrent episodes |

| Associated Symptoms | Worse with overwork, dizziness, tinnitus, fatigue |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale red tongue with little coating, thready and weak or deep and thready pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Liver-Kidney deficiency failing to nourish the lumbar discs and bones |

| Etiology | Aging, chronic overuse, constitutional weakness |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 | Tonifies Kidney Qi and Essence, strengthens bones |

| KI3 Taixi | Depression between medial malleolus and Achilles tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |

| DU4 Mingmen | On the midline, between L2 and L3 spinous processes | Warms Yang and disperses Cold, unblocks collaterals and stops pain |

| GB39 Xuanzhong | 3 cun above the lateral malleolus | Benefits the marrow; strengthens bones and tendons |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method; moxibustion may be applied to Shenshu and Mingmen to warm and tonify. During the remission phase, combine with lumbar muscle strengthening exercises.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Zuo Gui Wan (左归丸)

Composition:

Rehmannia (Shu Di), Dioscorea (Shan Yao), Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu), Goji Berry (Gou Qi), Cuscuta (Tu Si Zi), Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao), Tortoise Shell Glue (Gui Ban), Achyranthes (Niu Xi), Eucommia (Du Zhong)

Action: Tonifies Kidney Yin, nourishes Liver Blood, strengthens bones and tendons.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Lower back and knee soreness | Add Xu Duan, Gou Ji to supplement the Kidneys and strengthen the lower back |

| Dizziness and tinnitus | Add Gou Qi, Ju Hua to nourish the Liver and brighten the eyes |

| Qi deficiency and fatigue | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |

| Yang deficiency with cold intolerance | Add Rou Gui, Fu Zi to warm Yang and disperse Cold |

Western Mechanism Reference

Degenerative disc disease with reduced disc proteoglycans, annulus fibrosus degeneration, and decreased disc hydration. Liver-Kidney Deficiency corresponds to lumbar disc degeneration, where reduced proteoglycan content and decreased hydration lead to reduced disc elasticity and increased susceptibility to herniation.

References

  1. Textbook Standard.

  2. WHO. (2023). Low back pain and disc disorders. World Health Organization.

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