Knee Pain - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for knee pain with

Knee Pain · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Knee

Pattern Overview

Liver-Kidney Deficiency is a chronic degenerative pattern in knee pain,

characterized by **degenerative changes, chronic ache, weakness, and

aggravation with overwork. The core pathogenesis is insufficient

nourishment of the knee joint 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

joint |

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 |

GB34 Yanglingquan Depression below the head of the fibula

Master point for tendons; strengthens muscles |

GB39 Xuanzhong 3 cun above the lateral malleolus

marrow; strengthens bones and tendons |

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 changes with cartilage erosion, subchondral bone sclerosis,

and reduced joint function. Liver-Kidney Deficiency corresponds to knee

osteoarthritis, where progressive cartilage loss leads to joint space

narrowing and pain.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for knee pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM joint health.

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.