Lumbar Disc Herniation - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for lumbar disc

Lumbar Disc Herniation · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Lower Back

Pattern Overview

Liver-Kidney Deficiency is the fundamental pattern in lumbar disc

herniation, characterized by **degenerative disc disease, chronic aching

pain, weakness, and aggravation with overwork**. The core pathogenesis

is **insufficient nourishment of the lumbar discs by Liver Blood and

Kidney Essence**, leading to accelerated disc degeneration, reduced

elasticity, and increased susceptibility to herniation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

weakness, recurrent episodes |

Associated Symptoms

fatigue |

Tongue and Pulse

and weak or deep and thready pulse |

Pathogenesis

lumbar discs and bones |

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, strengthens bones |

KI3 Taixi

tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |

DU4 Mingmen
Warms Yang and disperses Cold, unblocks collaterals and stops pain
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 Mingmen to warm and tonify.

During the remission phase, combine with lumbar muscle strengthening

exercises.

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), Eucommia (Du Zhong)

Action: Tonifies Kidney Yin, nourishes Liver Blood, strengthens

bones and tendons.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Lower back and knee soreness

Kidneys and strengthen the lower back |

Dizziness and tinnitus

brighten the eyes |

Qi deficiency and fatigue Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi
Yang deficiency with cold intolerance

Yang and disperse Cold |

Western Mechanism Reference

Degenerative disc disease with reduced disc proteoglycans, annulus

fibrosus degeneration, and decreased disc hydration. Liver-Kidney

Deficiency corresponds to lumbar disc degeneration, where reduced

proteoglycan content and decreased hydration lead to reduced disc

elasticity and increased susceptibility to herniation.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

2. WHO. (2023). Low back pain and disc disorders. World Health

Organization.

Explore More

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relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM disc 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.