Neck Pain - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for neck pain with

Neck Pain · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Neck

Pattern Overview

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

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

aggravation with overwork. The core pathogenesis is insufficient

nourishment of the cervical spine by Liver Blood and Kidney Essence**,

leading to disc degeneration, ligament laxity, and chronic pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

overwork, dizziness |

Associated Symptoms

tinnitus, fatigue, blurred vision |

Tongue and Pulse

and weak pulse |

Pathogenesis

cervical spine |

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 |

GB20 Fengchi Depression below the occipital bone

Wind; clears the head and neck |

GB39 Xuanzhong 3 cun above the lateral malleolus

marrow; strengthens bones and tendons |

KI3 Taixi

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

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;

moxibustion may be applied to Shenshu 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
Dizziness Add Tian Ma, Gou Teng to calm Liver Wind
Lower back and knee soreness

Kidneys and strengthen the lower back |

Tinnitus

spirit |

Blurred vision

the eyes |

Western Mechanism Reference

Degenerative changes with cervical disc degeneration, ligament laxity,

and reduced tissue elasticity. Liver-Kidney Deficiency corresponds to

cervical degenerative changes, where reduced disc hydration and ligament

laxity contribute to chronic neck pain and instability.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

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

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for neck pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM neck 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.