TCM Theory

Below you will find the TCM Disharmonies related to the Kidney Meridian. Each pattern contains a brief
description of associated signs and symptoms, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and a list of acupuncture
points that may be used to treat the disharmony.

Excess Patterns:

There are no excess kidney patterns.

Deficiency Patterns:

Kidney Qi Deficiency

Kidney Yin Deficiency

Kidney Yang Deficiency

Kidney Yin Deficiency

Kidney Jing Deficiency

Kidney Patterns Summary

TCM Herbs that enter the kidney channel.

Sources

Discussions:

Discuss Acupuncture Theory

Deficiency Patterns

KD Qi Deficiency

General Signs & Symptoms:

SOB, ashtma, cold limbs, weak back a/or knees, copious clear urination, incontinence, night-time
urination.

Tongue:

Pale

Pulse:

Deep, weak possibly tight

General Treatment Points:

Maciocia Treatment Points w/Valaskatagis commentary, modifications and additions

UB 23 - KD Shu

GV 4 - tonify Yang

CV 4 - tonify Yang

KD 3 - tonify KD

UB 52 - tonify KD, effect willpower

Below are especially useful if lung symptoms predominate

LU 7 w/KD 6 - yin qiao ren mai, effect lu/kd communication

CV 17 - tonify upper warmer

KD 7 - tonify KD Yang

KD Yin Deficiency

General Signs & Symptoms:

Dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo, sore back, constipation, may also have empty heat signs, mallor flush, night
sweats, heat in the 5 palms, insomnia, dry throat

Tongue:

Red w/no coat, may have horizontal cracks, red tip w/empty fire

Pulse:
Floating, empty, rapid

General Treatment Points:

Maciocia Treatment Points w/Valaskatagis commentary, modifications and additions

KD 3 - tonify KD

KD 6 - nourish KD Yin, could add LU 7, yin qiao ren mai

SP 6 - nourish Yin

CV 4 - nourish Yin

If empty heat is effecting the mind - HT 7 a/or KD 9

Urinary issues - KD 10

KD Yang Deficiency

General Signs & Symptoms:

Sore a/or weak back/knees, sensation of cold, aversion to cold, weak lower limbs, lassitude, clear
copious urine, poor appetite, loose stools, edema (which can be severe)

Tongue:

Pale, swollen, wet possibly a white coat with strong water signs

Pulse:

Deep, weak possibly slow with strong water signs

General Treatment Points:

Maciocia Treatment Points w/Valaskatagis commentary, modifications and additions

UB 23 - KD Shu

GV 4 - tonify Yang

CV 4 - tonify Yang

CV 6 - tonify Qi

KD 3 - tonify KD
KD 7 - tonify KD Yang

UB 52 - tonify KD, strengthen willpower

For strong water signs consider the following:

UB 13 - LU Shu

UB 15 - HT Shu

UB 20 - SP Shu

UB 22 - TH Shu, major point for water regulation

ST 28 - move fluids in the lower warmer

SP 9 - resolve dampness

LU 7 - upper body edema

KD Jing Deficiency

General Signs & Symptoms:

In children poor physical a/or mental development will be seen, in adults a weakening of the bones,
teeth, back a/or knees, memory problems, a/or a lowering of the libido/ability can be seen

Tongue:

Red, peeled

Pulse:

Floating, empty

General Treatment Points:

Maciocia Treatment Points w/Valaskatagis commentary, modifications and additions

KD 3 - tonify KD

KD 6 - tonify KD Yin

CV 4 - tonify Yin

GV 4 - tonify Yang (Dr. So indicates no moxa on this point for males under 20)
UB 23 - KD Shu

GB 39 - hui meeting of the marrow

UB 11 - hui meeting of the bones

GV 20 & GV 16 - sea of marrow points, direct marrow to the brain

Sources and More Information

The information on our site is drawn from our own lecture notes and clinical experience.