Lumbar Disc Herniation - Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for lumbar disc
Lumbar Disc Herniation · Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Lower Back
Pattern Overview
Kidney Yang Deficiency is a severe deficiency pattern in lumbar disc
herniation, characterized by **chronic cold-type back pain, cold
intolerance, weakness, frequent urination, and mental fatigue**. The
core pathogenesis is **insufficient Kidney Yang failing to warm the
lumbar spine**, leading to chronic pain, weakness, and impaired healing.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
intolerance, weakness |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
extremities, pale complexion |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
spine |
| Etiology |
|---|
|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Yang, disperses Cold, and unblocks collaterals |
| DU4 Mingmen |
|---|
| Warms Yang and disperses Cold, unblocks collaterals and stops pain |
| RN4 Guanyuan | 3 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
supplements Qi, strengthens the body's foundation |
| KI3 Taixi |
|---|
tendon | Nourishes Kidney Yin, seeking Yang from Yin |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method; heavy
moxibustion is strongly recommended to warm Kidney Yang. Combine with
local heat application and herbal steam therapy to support Yang
recovery.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: You Gui Wan (右归丸)
Composition:
Rehmannia (Shu Di), Dioscorea (Shan Yao), Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu), Goji
Berry (Gou Qi), Cuscuta (Tu Si Zi), Eucommia (Du Zhong), Deer Antler
Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao), Cinnamon (Rou Gui), Aconite (Fu Zi), Angelica (Dang
Gui)
Action: Warms Kidney Yang, tonifies Kidney Qi, strengthens the
spine, and unblocks collaterals.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Frequent urination |
|---|
Kidneys and reduce urination |
| Severe cold intolerance | Add Ba Ji Tian, Yin Yang Huo to warm Yang |
|---|
| Lower back and knee soreness |
|---|
Kidneys and strengthen the lower back |
| Cold lower limbs and numbness |
|---|
meridians and unblock collaterals |
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic cold-type back pain with adrenal insufficiency, reduced
metabolic rate, and impaired tissue repair. Kidney Yang Deficiency
corresponds to chronic lumbar disc herniation in elderly patients, where
reduced adrenal function and impaired tissue repair capacity contribute
to persistent pain and poor healing.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Low back pain and disc disorders. World Health
Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for back pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM disc health.
Related TCM Patterns for Lumbar Disc Herniation
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.