Peripheral Neuropathy - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for peripheral

Peripheral Neuropathy · 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 peripheral

neuropathy, characterized by **degenerative neuropathy, chronic ache,

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

**insufficient nourishment of the peripheral nerves by Liver Blood and

Kidney Essence**, leading to progressive nerve degeneration and

weakness.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

weakness, worse with overwork |

Associated Symptoms

dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision |

Tongue and Pulse

and weak pulse |

Pathogenesis

peripheral nerves |

Etiology

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 |

GB39 Xuanzhong 3 cun above the lateral malleolus

marrow; strengthens bones and tendons |

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

nerves and tendons.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Severe nerve degeneration

nerves |

Fatigue and weakness Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi
Cold intolerance Add Rou Gui, Fu Zi to warm Yang

Western Mechanism Reference

Degenerative neuropathy with axonal degeneration, reduced nerve

regeneration capacity, and age-related changes. Liver-Kidney Deficiency

corresponds to chronic peripheral neuropathy with progressive nerve

degeneration, where reduced nerve growth factor activity and impaired

regeneration contribute to symptom progression.

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.