Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for myofascial pain

Myofascial Pain Syndrome · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

Liver-Kidney Deficiency is a chronic degenerative pattern in myofascial

pain syndrome, characterized by **degenerative myopathy, chronic ache,

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

**insufficient nourishment of the muscles by Liver Blood and Kidney

Essence**, leading to progressive muscle weakness and pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

with overwork |

Associated Symptoms

dizziness, fatigue |

Tongue and Pulse

and weak pulse |

Pathogenesis

muscles |

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 |

BL18 Ganshu Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T9

of Liver meridian; nourishes Liver Blood |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;

moxibustion may be applied to Shenshu and Ganshu 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

muscles and tendons.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Severe muscle weakness Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi
Fatigue Add Du Zhong, Xu Duan to strengthen the lower back
Cold intolerance Add Rou Gui, Fu Zi to warm Yang

Western Mechanism Reference

Degenerative myopathy with reduced muscle strength, impaired tissue

repair, and age-related degeneration. Liver-Kidney Deficiency

corresponds to myofascial pain syndrome in older patients, where

age-related muscle degeneration and reduced tissue repair capacity

contribute to chronic pain.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

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

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for muscle pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM myofascial pain

management.

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.