Peripheral Neuropathy - Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for peripheral

Peripheral Neuropathy · Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

Kidney Yang Deficiency is a cold-type pattern in peripheral neuropathy,

characterized by **cold-type neuropathy, cold pain, weakness, and cold

intolerance. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Kidney Yang

failing to warm the peripheral nerves**, leading to cold pain, weakness,

and impaired nerve repair.

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

peripheral nerves |

Etiology

exposure |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
DU4 Mingmen
Warms Kidney Yang and strengthens the body
BL23 Shenshu Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2

Qi and Yang |

RN4 Guanyuan 3 cun below the umbilicus

supplements Qi |

KI3 Taixi

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

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;

moxibustion is strongly recommended to warm Kidney Yang.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (金匮肾气丸)

Composition:

Aconite (Fu Zi), Cinnamon (Rou Gui), Rehmannia (Shu Di), Dioscorea (Shan

Yao), Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu), Poria (Fu Ling), Moutan (Mu Dan Pi), Alisma

(Ze Xie)

Action: Warms Kidney Yang, tonifies Kidney Qi, and strengthens the

body.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Frequent urination

Kidneys |

Severe cold pain Add Ba Ji Tian, Yin Yang Huo to warm Yang
Cold limbs Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians

Western Mechanism Reference

Cold-type neuropathy with reduced peripheral perfusion, impaired nerve

repair, and cold sensitivity. Kidney Yang Deficiency corresponds to

peripheral neuropathy with prominent cold symptoms and reduced

peripheral perfusion, where impaired blood flow to the nerves

contributes to cold pain and numbness.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

2. WHO. (2023). Peripheral neuropathy fact sheet. World Health

Organization.

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for nerve pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM nerve 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.