Hypothyroidism - Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for hypothyroidism with
Hypothyroidism · Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency is a core pattern in hypothyroidism,
characterized by **reduced basal metabolic rate, fatigue, cold
intolerance, myxedema, and weight gain**. The core pathogenesis is
**Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency failing to warm and transform the
body**, leading to reduced metabolism, fluid retention, and systemic
hypofunction.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
myxedema (swelling) |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
urination, cold extremities, pale complexion |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
transform |
| Etiology |
|---|
food intake |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Shenshu (BL23) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
point of Kidney meridian; warms Kidney Yang |
| Mingmen (GV4) |
|---|
processes | Warms Kidney Yang and strengthens the body |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| Guanyuan (RN4) | 3 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
supplements Qi |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; heavy
moxibustion is strongly recommended to warm Spleen and Kidney Yang.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang (附子理中汤) + You Gui Wan
(右归丸)
Composition:
Aconite (Fu Zi), Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), Ginseng (Ren Shen),
Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Rehmannia (Shu Di), Cinnamon (Rou Gui), Deer
Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Warms Spleen and Kidney Yang, tonifies Qi, and strengthens
the body.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe cold intolerance | Add Ba Ji Tian, Yin Yang Huo to warm Yang |
|---|
| Myxedema (swelling) | Add Fu Ling, Zhu Ling to promote diuresis |
|---|
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Thyroid hormone deficiency causing reduced basal metabolic rate,
glycosaminoglycan deposition, and myxedema. Spleen-Kidney Yang
Deficiency corresponds to hypothyroidism with significant metabolic and
fluid retention symptoms, where reduced thyroid hormone levels lead to
decreased metabolism and glycosaminoglycan accumulation.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Fatigue with Spleen-Kidney Yang
Deficiency.
2. DB-TCMJB: Kidney Yang Deficiency/Spleen-Qi Deficiency.
3. WHO. (2023). Thyroid disorders. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for thyroid health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM endocrine health.
Related TCM Patterns for Hypothyroidism
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.