Frozen Shoulder - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for frozen shoulder with
Frozen Shoulder · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Shoulder
Pattern Overview
Liver-Kidney Deficiency is a degenerative pattern in frozen shoulder,
characterized by **degenerative changes with limited range of motion,
chronic ache, weakness, and aggravation with overwork**. The core
pathogenesis is **insufficient nourishment of the shoulder tendons and
bones by Liver Blood and Kidney Essence**, leading to degenerative
changes and chronic pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
weakness, worse with overwork |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
dizziness, fatigue |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
shoulder tendons and bones |
| 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 |
| GB34 Yanglingquan | Depression below the head of the fibula |
|---|
Master point for tendons; strengthens muscles |
| LI15 Jianyu |
|---|
acromion and the greater tubercle | Key point for shoulder pain;
unblocks the shoulder meridian |
| KI3 Taixi |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Shenshu and Taixi to warm and tonify.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (独活寄生汤)
Composition:
Angelica pubescens (Du Huo), Loranthus (Sang Ji Sheng), Eucommia (Du
Zhong), Achyranthes (Niu Xi), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan
Xiong), Rehmannia (Shu Di), White Peony (Bai Shao), Ginseng (Ren Shen),
Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice (Gan Cao), Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng), Gentiana
(Qin Jiao), Asarum (Xi Xin), Cinnamon (Rou Gui)
Action: Tonifies Liver and Kidney, strengthens tendons and bones,
and relieves pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe shoulder pain |
|---|
pain |
| Back and knee soreness |
|---|
back |
| Fatigue and weakness | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Degenerative with limited ROM, cartilage degeneration, and reduced
tendon elasticity. Liver-Kidney Deficiency corresponds to frozen
shoulder in older patients, where age-related degeneration and reduced
tissue elasticity contribute to capsular fibrosis.
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 shoulder pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM shoulder health.
Related TCM Patterns for Frozen Shoulder
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.