Coccyx Pain - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for coccyx pain with

Coccyx Pain · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Lower Back

Pattern Overview

Liver-Kidney Deficiency is a chronic degenerative pattern in coccyx

pain, characterized by **degenerative changes, chronic ache, weakness,

and aggravation with overwork. The core pathogenesis is insufficient

nourishment of the coccygeal bones and ligaments by Liver Blood and

Kidney Essence**, leading to degenerative changes and chronic pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

worse with overwork |

Associated Symptoms

dizziness, fatigue |

Tongue and Pulse

and weak pulse |

Pathogenesis

coccygeal region |

Etiology Aging, chronic illness, postpartum weakness

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
BL23 Shenshu Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2

Qi and Essence |

DU4 Mingmen
Warms Kidney Yang; treats chronic coccyx pain
KI3 Taixi

tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |

BL32 Ciliao In the second sacral foramen

sacral pain |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;

moxibustion may be applied to Shenshu and Mingmen 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

bones and tendons.

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 changes with reduced bone density, ligament laxity, and

impaired tissue repair. Liver-Kidney Deficiency corresponds to

age-related coccyx degeneration, where reduced bone density and ligament

laxity contribute to chronic pain.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

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

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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.