Gout - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for gout with
Gout · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Joints
Pattern Overview
Liver-Kidney Deficiency is an advanced chronic pattern in gout,
characterized by **chronic gout with joint erosion, progressive renal
dysfunction, joint deformity, weakness, and soreness**. The core
pathogenesis is prolonged illness consuming Liver and Kidney,
leading to joint destruction, renal impairment, and functional decline.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
back and knee soreness |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
urination, progressive renal impairment |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
renal impairment |
| Etiology |
|---|
aging |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Ganshu (BL18) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T9 |
|---|
of Liver meridian; nourishes Liver Blood |
| Shenshu (BL23) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
point of Kidney meridian; tonifies Kidney Qi |
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Xuanzhong (GB39) | 3 cun above the lateral malleolus |
|---|
the marrow; strengthens bones and tendons |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Shenshu and Ganshu to warm and tonify.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (独活寄生汤) + Si Miao San
(四妙散)
Composition:
Angelica pubescens (Du Huo), Loranthus (Sang Ji Sheng), Eucommia (Du
Zhong), Achyranthes (Niu Xi), Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Phellodendron
(Huang Bai), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren)
Action: Tonifies Liver and Kidney, clears Damp-Heat, strengthens
bones and tendons.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Joint erosion | Add Gu Sui Bu, Niu Xi to strengthen bones |
|---|
| Renal impairment |
|---|
invigorate blood |
| Back and knee soreness |
|---|
back |
| Weakness | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic gout with joint cartilage and bone erosion, progressive renal
impairment, and joint deformity. Liver-Kidney Deficiency corresponds to
advanced gout with joint destruction and renal impairment, where
prolonged urate deposition leads to progressive joint erosion and renal
dysfunction.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Bi Syndrome with Liver-Kidney Deficiency.
2. DB-XJB: Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Gout fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for joint health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM gout management.
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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.