Urinary Tract Infections - Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for urinary tract
Urinary Tract Infections · Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Pelvis
Pattern Overview
Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency is a chronic pattern in recurrent urinary
tract infections, characterized by **recurrent UTI with weakened immune
response, fatigue, frequent urination, low back soreness, and cold
intolerance. The core pathogenesis is Spleen-Kidney Qi deficiency
failing to support bladder function and immune defense**, leading to
recurrent infections and impaired bacterial clearance.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
back soreness |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
appetite, cold limbs |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
defense |
| Etiology |
|---|
constitutional deficiency |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen-Qi |
| Shenshu (BL23) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
point of Kidney meridian; tonifies Kidney-Qi |
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
strengthens the lower abdomen |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied at Pishu and Shenshu to warm and tonify Qi.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Wu Ling San (五苓散) + Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
(补中益气汤)
Composition:
Poria (Fu Ling), Polyporus (Zhu Ling), Alisma (Ze Xie), Atractylodes
(Bai Zhu), Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi), Ginseng (Ren Shen), Astragalus
(Huang Qi), Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Licorice (Gan
Cao)
Action: Supplements Spleen-Kidney Qi, promotes diuresis, and
strengthens immune defense.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Recurrent infections | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Frequent urination |
|---|
Kidneys |
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Low back soreness |
|---|
|
Western Mechanism Reference
Recurrent UTI with weakened immune response, reduced mucosal barrier
function, and impaired bacterial clearance. Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency
corresponds to recurrent UTIs with immune dysfunction, where reduced
mucosal barrier function and impaired bacterial clearance contribute to
recurrent infections.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - UTI with Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency →
Pivot/Ignition Layer.
3. WHO. (2023). Urological health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for urinary health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM urology.
Related TCM Patterns for Urinary Tract Infections
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.