Vitiligo - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for vitiligo with
Vitiligo · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Skin
Pattern Overview
Liver-Kidney Deficiency is a chronic pattern in vitiligo, characterized
by **melanocyte dysfunction, reduced tyrosinase activity, oxidative
stress damage, and chronic depigmentation**. The core pathogenesis is
Liver-Kidney deficiency failing to nourish the melanocytes, leading
to reduced tyrosinase activity, oxidative stress, and impaired melanin
synthesis.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
stable lesions, weak pigmentation |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
dizziness, tinnitus, fatigue |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
dysfunction |
| Etiology |
|---|
oxidative stress |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Ganshu (BL18) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T9 |
|---|
of Liver meridian; nourishes Liver-Blood |
| Shenshu (BL23) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
point of Kidney meridian; tonifies Kidney-Essence |
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney-Yin |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Guanyuan (RN4) | 3 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
nourishes the Kidneys |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Shenshu and Guanyuan to warm and tonify.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (六味地黄丸) + Er Zhi Wan
(二至丸)
Composition:
Rehmannia (Shu Di), Dioscorea (Shan Yao), Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu), Poria
(Fu Ling), Moutan (Mu Dan Pi), Alisma (Ze Xie), Ligustrum (Nu Zhen Zi),
Eclipta (Mo Han Lian), Psoralea (Bu Gu Zhi), Angelica (Dang Gui),
Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Tonifies Liver and Kidney, nourishes Yin, and promotes
melanin synthesis.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Chronic depigmentation |
|---|
synthesis |
| Lower back and knee soreness |
|---|
lower back |
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Oxidative stress |
|---|
reduce oxidative damage |
Western Mechanism Reference
Melanocyte dysfunction with reduced tyrosinase activity, oxidative
stress damage, and impaired melanin synthesis. Liver-Kidney Deficiency
corresponds to chronic vitiligo with melanocyte dysfunction, where
reduced tyrosinase activity and oxidative stress contribute to impaired
melanin synthesis.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Vitiligo with Liver-Kidney Deficiency.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency →
Cross-layer.
3. WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for skin health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM dermatology.
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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.