Finger Joint Pain - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for finger joint pain
Finger Joint Pain · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Hand
Pattern Overview
Liver-Kidney Deficiency is a chronic degenerative pattern in finger
joint pain, characterized by **degenerative arthritis, chronic ache,
weakness, and aggravation with overwork**. The core pathogenesis is
**insufficient nourishment of the finger joints by Liver Blood and
Kidney Essence**, leading to progressive joint degeneration and 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 |
|---|
finger joints |
| Etiology | Aging, chronic overuse, constitutional weakness |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Qi and Essence |
| KI3 Taixi |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |
| GB39 Xuanzhong | 3 cun above the lateral malleolus |
|---|
marrow; strengthens bones and tendons |
| LI5 Yangxi | On the wrist crease, radial side |
|---|
Large Intestine meridian; treats wrist and finger pain |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Shenshu and Taixi 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 joint degeneration |
|---|
|
| 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 arthritis with cartilage erosion, bone degeneration, and
reduced joint function. Liver-Kidney Deficiency corresponds to
osteoarthritis of the finger joints, where progressive cartilage loss
leads to joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for hand pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM joint health.
Related TCM Patterns for Finger Joint Pain
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.