Sacroiliac Joint Pain - Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for sacroiliac joint
Sacroiliac Joint Pain · Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Lower Back
Pattern Overview
Kidney Yang Deficiency is a chronic cold-type pattern in sacroiliac
joint pain, characterized by **chronic cold-type SI pain, cold pain,
weakness, and frequent urination**. The core pathogenesis is
insufficient Kidney Yang failing to warm the sacroiliac region,
leading to chronic cold pain, ligament laxity, and joint instability.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
region, cold intolerance, weakness |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
complexion, cold extremities |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
sacroiliac region |
| Etiology | Aging, postpartum weakness, chronic illness, overwork |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Yang, strengthens the lower back and SI joint |
| DU4 Mingmen |
|---|
| Warms Yang and disperses Cold, unblocks collaterals and stops pain |
| RN4 Guanyuan | 3 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
supplements Qi, strengthens the body's foundation |
| BL32 Ciliao | In the second sacral foramen |
|---|
sacral pain |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method; heavy
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
SI joint.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Frequent urination |
|---|
Kidneys |
| Severe cold intolerance | Add Ba Ji Tian, Yin Yang Huo to warm Yang |
|---|
| Ligament laxity |
|---|
and bones |
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic cold-type SI pain with reduced local blood flow, impaired tissue
repair, and ligament laxity. Kidney Yang Deficiency corresponds to
chronic sacroiliac dysfunction, where reduced adrenal function and
impaired tissue repair contribute to ligament laxity and pain.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
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research papers and clinical case studies on TCM joint health.
Related TCM Patterns for Sacroiliac Joint Pain
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.