Post-Herpetic Neuralgia - Kidney Yin Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for post-herpetic
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia · Kidney Yin Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Kidney Yin Deficiency is a chronic pattern in post-herpetic neuralgia,
characterized by **burning pain with night worsening, dryness, night
sweats, and restlessness. The core pathogenesis is insufficient
Kidney Yin failing to nourish the nerves**, leading to deficiency heat,
nerve sensitization, and persistent burning pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
restlessness |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
mouth and throat, dizziness, tinnitus |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
to nourish the nerves |
| Etiology |
|---|
consumption of Yin |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| KI3 Taixi |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |
| KI6 Zhaohai | 1 cun below the medial malleolus |
|---|
clears deficiency heat |
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
of Kidney meridian; tonifies Kidney Qi and Yin |
| Ashi points | Tender spots in the affected dermatome |
|---|
relief and nerve nourishment |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method; Taixi
and Zhaohai may be needled with reinforcing method to enhance Yin
nourishment.
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 burning pain | Add Zhi Mu, Huang Bai to clear deficiency heat |
|---|
| Night sweats |
|---|
stop sweating |
| Dry mouth and throat |
|---|
moisten dryness |
| Restlessness | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Burning pain with night worsening, neuropathic sensitization, and
impaired nerve repair with Yin deficiency. Kidney Yin Deficiency
corresponds to post-herpetic neuralgia with prominent burning pain and
sensitization, where reduced neurotrophic support and enhanced TRPV1
sensitization contribute to burning pain and allodynia.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Post-herpetic neuralgia fact sheet. World Health
Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for nerve pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM nerve health.
Related TCM Patterns for Post Herpetic Neuralgia
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.