Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency
TCM differentiation and treatment for benign prostatic
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia · 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 benign prostatic
hyperplasia, characterized by **detrusor weakness with incomplete
emptying, fatigue, weak voiding, frequent urination, and post-void
dribbling. The core pathogenesis is Spleen-Kidney Qi deficiency
failing to support bladder function**, leading to reduced detrusor
contractility, incomplete emptying, and urinary retention.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
dribbling, frequent urination |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
back soreness |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
contractility |
| Etiology |
|---|
Spleen-Kidney deficiency |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen-Qi |
| Shenshu (BL23) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
point of Kidney meridian; tonifies Kidney-Qi |
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
strengthens the lower abdomen |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied at Pishu and Qihai to warm and tonify Qi.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (补中益气汤) + Suo Quan Wan
(缩泉丸)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu),
Angelica (Dang Gui), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma),
Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Yam (Shan Yao), Alpinia (Yi Zhi Ren), Anemarrhena
(Zhi Mu), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Supplements Spleen-Kidney Qi, lifts Yang, and strengthens
bladder function.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Incomplete emptying |
|---|
supplementation |
| Frequent urination |
|---|
Kidneys |
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Low back soreness |
|---|
|
| Post-void dribbling |
|---|
consolidate |
Western Mechanism Reference
Detrusor weakness with incomplete emptying, reduced bladder
contractility, and impaired sphincter coordination. Spleen-Kidney Qi
Deficiency corresponds to BPH with bladder dysfunction, where reduced
detrusor contractility and impaired sphincter coordination contribute to
incomplete emptying and post-void dribbling.
References
1. Surgery of TCM - BPH with Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency.
2. Xiong Jibai: Qi Deficiency uses Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Urological health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for prostate health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM urology.
Related TCM Patterns for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
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.