Obesity - Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Obesity · Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency is a pattern in obesity, characterized by reduced basal metabolic rate, hypothyroidism tendency, cold intolerance, weight gain, and fatigue. The core pathogenesis is Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency failing to warm and transform, leading to decreased energy expenditure and increased fat storage.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Weight gain, cold intolerance, fatigue, edema |

| Associated Symptoms | Frequent urination, cold extremities, pale complexion, loose stools |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale and swollen tongue with thin white coating, deep and weak pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Spleen-Kidney Yang deficiency causing reduced metabolism |

| Etiology | Aging, chronic illness, congenital deficiency, overwork |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Shenshu (BL23) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 | Back-Shu point of Kidney meridian; warms Kidney Yang |

| Mingmen (GV4) | On the midline, between L2 and L3 spinous processes | Warms Kidney Yang and strengthens the body |

| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 | Back-Shu point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |

| Guanyuan (RN4) | 3 cun below the umbilicus | Warms Yang and supplements Qi |

| Zusanli (ST36) | 3 cun below the patella, 1 finger-width lateral to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; heavy moxibustion is strongly recommended to warm Spleen and Kidney Yang.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Zhen Wu Tang (真武汤) + Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang (苓桂术甘汤)

Composition:

Aconite (Fu Zi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), White Peony (Bai Shao), Ginger (Sheng Jiang), Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Warms Spleen and Kidney Yang, promotes diuresis, and transforms Dampness.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Edema | Add Fu Ling, Zhu Ling to promote diuresis |

| Cold intolerance | Add Ba Ji Tian, Yin Yang Huo to warm Yang |

| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |

| Weight gain | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |

Western Mechanism Reference

Reduced basal metabolic rate, hypothyroidism tendency, decreased energy expenditure, and increased fat storage. Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency corresponds to obesity with reduced metabolic rate, where decreased energy expenditure and impaired thermogenesis contribute to weight gain.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Obesity with Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency.

  2. DB-TCMJB: Kidney Yang Deficiency/Spleen Yang Deficiency.

  3. WHO. (2023). Obesity fact sheet. World Health Organization.

Explore More

  • Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for metabolic health.

  • Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM obesity management.