Achilles Tendinitis - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for Achilles tendinitis
Achilles Tendinitis · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Ankle
Pattern Overview
Liver-Kidney Deficiency is a chronic degenerative pattern in Achilles
tendinitis, characterized by **dull aching pain, weakness in the tendon,
and aggravation with overwork. The core pathogenesis is insufficient
nourishment of the tendon by Liver Blood and Kidney Essence**, leading
to gradual degeneration and reduced healing capacity.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
weakness, worse with activity |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
dizziness, fatigue |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
tendons and bones |
| Etiology | Aging, overwork, chronic illness |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Qi and Essence |
| KI3 Taixi |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |
| BL60 Kunlun |
|---|
tendon | Unblocks the Bladder meridian; treats heel pain |
| GB34 Yanglingquan | Depression below the head of the fibula |
|---|
Master point for tendons; strengthens sinews |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Shenshu and Taixi to warm and tonify.
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)
Action: Tonifies Kidney Yin, nourishes Liver Blood, strengthens
tendons and bones.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe back and knee soreness |
|---|
the lower back |
| Fatigue and weakness | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
|---|
| Cold intolerance | Add Rou Gui, Fu Zi to warm Yang |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Degenerative tendinopathy with reduced collagen synthesis and impaired
tendon repair. Liver-Kidney Deficiency corresponds to age-related tendon
degeneration, where decreased growth factor activity and reduced blood
supply impair healing.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for tendon pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM tendon health.
Related TCM Patterns for Achilles Tendinitis
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.