Fibromyalgia - Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for fibromyalgia with

Fibromyalgia · Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

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

characterized by **widespread cold-type pain, cold intolerance, fatigue,

and frequent urination. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Kidney

Yang failing to warm the body**, leading to widespread cold pain,

fatigue, and reduced function.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

fatigue |

Associated Symptoms

back and knees, cold extremities |

Tongue and Pulse

coating, deep and weak pulse |

Pathogenesis Kidney Yang deficiency failing to warm the body
Etiology

cold |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
DU4 Mingmen
Warms Kidney Yang and strengthens the body
BL23 Shenshu Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2

Qi and Yang |

KI3 Taixi

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

RN4 Guanyuan 3 cun below the umbilicus

warms the lower abdomen |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;

moxibustion is strongly recommended to warm Kidney Yang.

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

body.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Severe cold pain Add Ba Ji Tian, Yin Yang Huo to warm Yang
Frequent urination

Kidneys |

Fatigue Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi

Western Mechanism Reference

Widespread cold-type pain with reduced metabolic rate, adrenal

insufficiency, and cold sensitivity. Kidney Yang Deficiency corresponds

to fibromyalgia with prominent cold symptoms and metabolic dysfunction,

often associated with adrenal and thyroid dysfunction.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

2. WHO. (2023). Fibromyalgia fact sheet. World Health Organization.

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for widespread pain

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research papers and clinical case studies on TCM chronic pain

management.

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.