Asthma - Lung-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for asthma with
Asthma · Lung-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Chest
Pattern Overview
Lung-Kidney Deficiency is a severe chronic pattern in asthma,
characterized by **chronic severe asthma, adrenal insufficiency, dyspnea
on exertion, and poor Qi reception. The core pathogenesis is Lung
and Kidney deficiency with failure of the Kidney to receive Qi**,
leading to severe asthma, shortness of breath, and reduced exercise
tolerance.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
reception |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
intolerance, frequent urination, pale complexion |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
Qi |
| Etiology |
|---|
dependence |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Feishu (BL13) | On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to T3 |
|---|
Back-Shu point of Lung meridian; supplements Lung Qi |
| Shenshu (BL23) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
point of Kidney meridian; warms Kidney Yang |
| Taiyuan (LU9) | On the wrist crease, radial side |
|---|
Lung meridian; supplements Lung Qi |
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |
| Gaohuang (BL43) | On the upper back, 3 cun lateral to T4 |
|---|
Nourishes deficiency and supports Lung and Kidney Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method; heavy
moxibustion may be applied to Shenshu and Gaohuang to warm and tonify.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Sheng Mai San (生脉散) + Jin Shui Liu Jun Zi Jian
(金水六君子煎)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Ophiopogon (Mai Dong), Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi),
Rehmannia (Shu Di), Angelica (Dang Gui), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi),
Pinellia (Fa Ban Xia), Poria (Fu Ling), Gecko (Ge Jie)
Action: Supplements Lung and Kidney Qi, receives Qi, and stops
wheezing.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Soreness in lower back and knees |
|---|
the lower back |
| Cold intolerance | Add Fu Zi, Rou Gui to warm Yang and disperse Cold |
|---|
| Frequent urination |
|---|
Kidneys |
| Severe wheezing |
|---|
and receive Qi |
Western Mechanism Reference
Adrenal insufficiency with reduced endogenous glucocorticoids; reduced
lung elastic recoil causing airflow limitation. Lung-Kidney Deficiency
corresponds to severe asthma or corticosteroid-dependent asthma, where
long-term corticosteroid use suppresses adrenal function and reduced
lung elastic recoil causes irreversible airflow limitation.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Asthma with Lung-Kidney Deficiency.
2. DB-XJB: Sheng Mai San.
3. WHO. (2023). Asthma fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for respiratory
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM asthma management.
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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.