Urinary Tract Infections - Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Urinary Tract Infections · Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Pelvis

Pattern Overview

Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency is a chronic pattern in recurrent urinary tract infections, characterized by recurrent UTI with weakened immune response, fatigue, frequent urination, low back soreness, and cold intolerance. The core pathogenesis is Spleen-Kidney Qi deficiency failing to support bladder function and immune defense, leading to recurrent infections and impaired bacterial clearance.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Recurrent UTI, fatigue, frequent urination, low back soreness |

| Associated Symptoms | Cold intolerance, pale complexion, poor appetite, cold limbs |

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

| Pathogenesis | Spleen-Kidney Qi deficiency with impaired immune defense |

| Etiology | Recurrent UTIs, chronic illness, aging, overwork, constitutional deficiency |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

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

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

| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus | Tonifies Qi and strengthens the lower abdomen |

| 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; moxibustion may be applied at Pishu and Shenshu to warm and tonify Qi.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Wu Ling San (五苓散) + Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (补中益气汤)

Composition:

Poria (Fu Ling), Polyporus (Zhu Ling), Alisma (Ze Xie), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi), Ginseng (Ren Shen), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Supplements Spleen-Kidney Qi, promotes diuresis, and strengthens immune defense.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Recurrent infections | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |

| Frequent urination | Add Yi Zhi Ren, Sang Piao Xiao to astringe the Kidneys |

| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |

| Low back soreness | Add Du Zhong, Xu Duan to strengthen the lower back |

Western Mechanism Reference

Recurrent UTI with weakened immune response, reduced mucosal barrier function, and impaired bacterial clearance. Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency corresponds to recurrent UTIs with immune dysfunction, where reduced mucosal barrier function and impaired bacterial clearance contribute to recurrent infections.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - UTI with Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency.

  2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency → Pivot/Ignition Layer.

  3. WHO. (2023). Urological health. World Health Organization.

Explore More

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

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