Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency
TCM differentiation and treatment for irritable bowel
Irritable Bowel Syndrome · Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency is a severe deficiency pattern in IBS,
characterized by **autonomic dysfunction, diarrhea at dawn, abdominal
pain, and cold intolerance. The core pathogenesis is Spleen and
Kidney Yang deficiency failing to warm and transform the intestines**,
leading to abnormal colonic transit, impaired fluid absorption, and
chronic diarrhea.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
pain, cold intolerance |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
extremities, pale complexion |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
intestines |
| Etiology |
|---|
constitutional weakness |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Mingmen (GV4) |
|---|
processes | Warms Kidney Yang and strengthens the body |
| Shenshu (BL23) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
point of Kidney meridian; warms Kidney Yang |
| 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 |
| Tianshu (ST25) | 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus |
|---|
of Large Intestine; regulates bowel function |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform 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) + Si Shen Wan
(四神丸)
Composition:
Aconite (Fu Zi), Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), Ginseng (Ren Shen),
Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Psoralea (Bu Gu Zhi), Nutmeg (Rou Dou Kou),
Evodia (Wu Zhu Yu), Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Warms Spleen and Kidney Yang, stops diarrhea, and
strengthens the intestines.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Dawn diarrhea |
|---|
stop diarrhea |
| Severe cold intolerance | Add Ba Ji Tian, Yin Yang Huo to warm Yang |
|---|
| Frequent urination |
|---|
Kidneys |
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Intestinal autonomic dysregulation causing abnormal colonic transit
time, fluid malabsorption, and decreased intestinal motility.
Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency corresponds to IBS with autonomic
dysfunction, where reduced intestinal autonomic regulation and impaired
fluid absorption contribute to chronic diarrhea.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Diarrhea with Kidney Yang Deficiency.
2. DB-XJB: Li Zhong Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Digestive health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for digestive
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM digestive health.
Related TCM Patterns for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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.