Coccyx Pain - Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for coccyx pain with

Coccyx Pain · Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Lower Back

Pattern Overview

Kidney Yang Deficiency is a chronic cold-type pattern in coccyx pain,

characterized by **chronic cold-type coccydynia, cold pain, weakness,

and aggravation in cold weather**. The core pathogenesis is

insufficient Kidney Yang failing to warm the coccygeal region,

leading to chronic pain, cold sensitivity, and impaired healing.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

relief with warmth |

Associated Symptoms

frequent urination, fatigue |

Tongue and Pulse

coating, deep and weak pulse |

Pathogenesis

coccygeal region |

Etiology Aging, chronic illness, overwork, postpartum weakness

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
DU4 Mingmen
Warms Kidney Yang; treats chronic coccyx pain
BL23 Shenshu Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2

Qi and Yang |

DU20 Baihui

anterior hairline | Lifts Yang; treats fatigue and dizziness |

BL32 Ciliao In the second sacral foramen

sacral pain |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;

moxibustion is strongly recommended to warm Kidney Yang and disperse

cold.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (金匮肾气丸)

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)

Action: Warms Kidney Yang, tonifies Kidney Qi, and strengthens the

lower back.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Frequent urination

Kidneys |

Severe cold pain Add Ba Ji Tian, Yin Yang Huo to warm Yang
Weakness Add Du Zhong, Xu Duan to strengthen the lower back

Western Mechanism Reference

Chronic cold-type coccydynia with reduced local blood flow, impaired

tissue repair, and cold sensitivity. Kidney Yang Deficiency corresponds

to chronic coccyx pain with poor healing capacity, often seen in elderly

patients or those with endocrine dysfunction.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for tailbone pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM spinal health.

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.