Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - Kidney-Yang Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for benign prostatic
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia · Kidney-Yang Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Pelvis
Pattern Overview
Kidney-Yang Deficiency is a common pattern in benign prostatic
hyperplasia, characterized by **aging-related prostatic enlargement,
weak voiding, frequent urination (especially at night), cold
intolerance, and low back soreness**. The core pathogenesis is
Kidney-Yang deficiency failing to warm the lower Jiao, leading to
reduced detrusor contractility, incomplete emptying, and urinary
frequency.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
night), cold intolerance |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
fatigue, pale complexion |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
Jiao |
| Etiology |
|---|
overwork |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Shenshu (BL23) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
point of Kidney meridian; warms Kidney-Yang |
| Guanyuan (RN4) | 3 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
supplements Yuan Qi |
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney-Yin |
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
strengthens the lower abdomen |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; heavy
moxibustion is strongly recommended at Guanyuan and Shenshu to warm
Kidney-Yang.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan (济生肾气丸)
Composition:
Aconite (Fu Zi), Cinnamon (Rou Gui), Rehmannia (Shu Di), Dioscorea (Shan
Yao), Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu), Poria (Fu Ling), Moutan (Mu Dan Pi), Alisma
(Ze Xie), Achyranthes (Niu Xi), Plantago (Che Qian Zi), Licorice (Gan
Cao)
Action: Warms Kidney-Yang, promotes urination, and reduces prostatic
enlargement.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe cold intolerance | Add Ba Ji Tian, Yin Yang Huo to warm Yang |
|---|
| Frequent urination |
|---|
Kidneys |
| Low back soreness |
|---|
|
| Weak voiding | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Aging-related prostatic enlargement with weak voiding, reduced detrusor
contractility, and hormonal changes. Kidney-Yang Deficiency corresponds
to BPH with hypogonadism and reduced detrusor function, where hormonal
changes and reduced bladder contractility contribute to weak voiding and
urinary frequency.
References
1. Surgery of TCM - BPH with Kidney-Yang Deficiency.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Kidney-Yang Deficiency → Ignition
Layer.
3. WHO. (2023). Urological health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
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- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM urology.
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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.