Obesity - Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for obesity with
Obesity · Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency is a pattern in obesity, characterized by
**reduced basal metabolic rate, hypothyroidism tendency, cold
intolerance, weight gain, and fatigue**. The core pathogenesis is
Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency failing to warm and transform,
leading to decreased energy expenditure and increased fat storage.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Weight gain, cold intolerance, fatigue, edema |
|---|
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
complexion, loose stools |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
metabolism |
| Etiology |
|---|
|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Shenshu (BL23) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
point of Kidney meridian; warms Kidney Yang |
| Mingmen (GV4) |
|---|
processes | Warms Kidney Yang and strengthens the body |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| Guanyuan (RN4) | 3 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
supplements Qi |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; heavy
moxibustion is strongly recommended to warm Spleen and Kidney Yang.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Zhen Wu Tang (真武汤) + Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
(苓桂术甘汤)
Composition:
Aconite (Fu Zi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), White Peony
(Bai Shao), Ginger (Sheng Jiang), Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi), Licorice (Gan
Cao)
Action: Warms Spleen and Kidney Yang, promotes diuresis, and
transforms Dampness.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Edema | Add Fu Ling, Zhu Ling to promote diuresis |
|---|
| Cold intolerance | Add Ba Ji Tian, Yin Yang Huo to warm Yang |
|---|
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Weight gain | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Reduced basal metabolic rate, hypothyroidism tendency, decreased energy
expenditure, and increased fat storage. Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency
corresponds to obesity with reduced metabolic rate, where decreased
energy expenditure and impaired thermogenesis contribute to weight gain.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Obesity with Spleen-Kidney Yang
Deficiency.
2. DB-TCMJB: Kidney Yang Deficiency/Spleen Yang Deficiency.
3. WHO. (2023). Obesity fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for metabolic
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM obesity management.
Related TCM Patterns for Obesity
- Stomach Heat with Dampness
- Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness
- Liver-Qi Stagnation
- Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat
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.