Wishing everyone achieves a state of health with balanced Yin and Yang.

I previously wrote an article on Kidney Yin Deficiency and Kidney Yang Deficiency, which can transform into a condition of both Yin and Yang Deficiency, discussing symptoms and 15 commonly used TCM formulas. Yesterday, I wrote about the two types of Kidney Yin Deficiency – Yin Deficiency with Excess Heat and Kidney Yin Deficiency, explaining their symptoms and treatment examples. Today, I am writing about the classification of Yang Deficiency and treatment examples. Thus, I have covered all classifications of Kidney Deficiency and common treatment formulas. I will no longer write articles related to Kidney Deficiency.

1. Concept of Kidney Yang Deficiency:

Kidney Yang, also known as Yuan Yang, True Yang, True Fire, and the Fire of the Mingmen, is the fundamental Yang energy of the human body. It plays a role in promoting and warming all organs and tissues.

Kidney Yang Deficiency is a type of cold deficiency syndrome characterized by insufficient warming and vaporization functions. It is often caused by a constitution of Yang Deficiency, aging, chronic illness damaging the kidneys, or excessive sexual activity.

Diagram of Kidney Yang Deficiency

Physiological functions of the kidneys and their main impacts

Classification of Kidney Yang Deficiency

1. Kidney Qi Not Firm

This condition arises from Kidney Qi Deficiency leading to insufficient Kidney Yang, which in turn results in the failure of the body’s storage functions. It can directly lead to symptoms such as seminal leakage, urinary incontinence, and irregular menstruation, characterized by a series of symptoms related to the inability to retain fluids, primarily affecting semen, urine, menstruation, pregnancy, and bowel movements, as detailed below:

① Seminal Leakage — nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation;

② Urinary Incontinence — involuntary urination, post-urination dribbling, enuresis;

③ Irregular Menstruation — prolonged menstruation, excessive vaginal discharge, miscarriage, and chronic diarrhea.

[Main Symptoms]: Lack of healthy complexion and normal skin luster, pale face without blood color; weakness in the lower back and knees, often feeling fatigued; increased frequency of urination, or feeling of incomplete urination, with urgency to urinate shortly after finishing; severe cases may lead to urinary incontinence; frequent nighttime urination; men may experience seminal leakage and premature ejaculation, while women may have clear, thin vaginal discharge; some may also experience hearing loss.

[Causes]: Overexertion, advanced age, or prolonged illness without treatment, leading to Kidney Qi Deficiency and affecting the kidney’s storage and retention functions.

[Treatment Principle]: Tonify the kidneys and stabilize retention.

Kidney Qi Not Firm — fatigue, pale complexion, hearing loss

Examples of TCM Formulas

① Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan (Golden Lock Solid Essence Pill)

[Main Ingredients]: Sha Yuan Zi (Fleeceflower Seed, roasted), Qian Shi (Euryale Seed, steamed), Lian Zi (Lotus Seed), Lian Xu (Lotus Stamen), Long Gu (Dragon Bone, calcined), Mu Li (Oyster Shell, calcined).

[Function and Indications]: Stabilizes the kidneys and astringes essence. Used for Kidney Deficiency with seminal leakage, fatigue, weakness in the limbs, and lower back pain with tinnitus.

[Dosage]: Take on an empty stomach with warm water or saline, 0.2g/pill, 15 pills per dose, three times a day.

2. Kidney Not Receiving Qi

This condition arises from Kidney Yang Deficiency affecting the kidney’s ability to receive Qi, leading to an inability of the kidneys and lungs to properly coordinate the intake and outflow of Qi, resulting in a series of symptoms. (“The lung is the master of Qi, and the kidney is the root of Qi. The lung governs the outflow of Qi, while the kidney governs the intake of Qi. When the balance of intake and outflow is disrupted, wheezing occurs.”)

[Main Symptoms]: Shortness of breath, shallow breathing, noticeable breathlessness with slight exertion; weakness, poor energy; severe cases of Kidney Not Receiving Qi may present with exacerbated wheezing, rapid and shallow breathing, open-mouth breathing, and even cold sweats, cold limbs, and a pale complexion with a bluish tint.

[Causes]: Various factors damaging Kidney Qi, such as prolonged illness leading to Qi Deficiency, resulting in the inability of the kidneys to retain Qi, manifesting as respiratory discomfort.

[Treatment Principle]: Tonify the kidneys and support Qi intake.

Kidney Not Receiving Qi — rapid and shallow breathing, breathlessness with slight exertion.

Examples of TCM Formulas

① Gu Shen Ding Chuan Wan (Kidney Stabilizing and Wheezing Relief Pill)

[Main Ingredients]: Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), Fu Zi (Aconite), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Root), Niu Xi (Achyranthes), Salty Bu Guo Zhi (Psoralea), Sha Ren (Amomum), Che Qian Zi (Plantago Seed), Fu Ling (Poria), Salty Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia), Rou Gui (Cinnamon), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Ze Xie (Alisma), Jin Ying Zi (Cherokee Rose Fruit).

[Function and Indications]: Warms the kidneys and supports Qi intake, strengthens the spleen, and resolves phlegm. Used for cough and wheezing due to lung and spleen Qi Deficiency, and Kidney Not Receiving Qi.

[Dosage]: Oral, 1.5-2.0g per dose, 2-3 times a day, can be taken before the onset of symptoms or to prevent recurrence, generally for 15 days per course.

② Jin Ke Xi Capsule (Golden Cough Relief Capsule)

[Main Ingredients]: Ge Jie (Gecko), Sheng Bai Ren (Fresh Ginseng), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillaria), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra), Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Bark, honey-prepared), Ku Xing Ren (Bitter Apricot Seed, roasted), Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), Dang Gui (Angelica), Bai Shao (White Peony), Fu Ling (Poria), Gan Cao (Licorice).

[Function and Indications]: Nourishes the lungs and supports Qi intake, stops cough and relieves wheezing, resolves phlegm. Suitable for chronic cough with white phlegm due to lung and spleen deficiency, and Kidney Not Receiving Qi.

[Dosage]: Oral, 0.4g/capsule, 4-5 capsules per dose, 3 times a day.

3. Kidney Yang Insufficiency

Kidney Yang Insufficiency refers to the decline of Yang energy in the kidneys, manifesting as weakness in the lower back and knees, cold limbs, dizziness, mental fatigue, shortness of breath, impotence, and a pale or dark complexion. Generally, Kidney Yang Insufficiency is often caused by aging, chronic illness damaging the kidneys, excessive sexual activity, or poor congenital constitution. What is commonly referred to as Kidney Yang Deficiency usually refers to Kidney Yang Insufficiency.

[Main Symptoms]: Pale complexion, bright but bloodless, or dark complexion with a yellowish tint; generally, individuals with Kidney Yang Insufficiency have poor facial color, revealing signs of illness; mental fatigue, weakness in the lower back and knees, cold limbs; loose stools, frequent diarrhea, sometimes with undigested food; some may experience early morning diarrhea, needing to rush to the toilet due to abdominal pain; men may experience impotence and infertility, while women may have cold womb and infertility.

[Causes]: Congenital weakness, prolonged illness, or overexertion damaging the kidneys, leading to decline of the Mingmen fire.

[Treatment Principle]: Warm and tonify Kidney Yang.

Kidney Yang Insufficiency — pale complexion, mental fatigue, cold limbs, weakness in the lower back and knees.

Examples of TCM Formulas

① Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi Pill)

[Main Ingredients]: Di Huang (Rehmannia), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Jiu Zi (Cornus), Fu Ling (Poria), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan), Ze Xie (Alisma), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon), Fu Zi (Aconite), Niu Xi (Achyranthes, head removed), Salty Che Qian Zi (Plantago Seed).

[Function and Indications]: Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang, promotes Qi and resolves water retention. Used for Kidney Deficiency with edema, weakness in the lower back and knees, and cold limbs.

[Dosage]: Oral, 4-5g per dose (20-25 pills), twice a day.

② Suo Yang Gu Jing Wan (Lock Yang Solid Essence Pill)

[Main Ingredients]: Warms the kidneys and stabilizes essence. Used for symptoms of Kidney Yang Deficiency such as weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, seminal leakage, and premature ejaculation.

[Function and Indications]: Contains ingredients such as Lock Yang, Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche), Zhi Ba Nian Tian (Prepared Epimedium), Salty Bu Guo Zhi (Psoralea), Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta), Du Zhong (Eucommia), Star Anise, Jiu Cai Zi (Chive Seed), Qian Shi (Euryale), Lian Zi (Lotus Seed), Lian Xu (Lotus Stamen), Calcined Mu Li (Oyster Shell), Calcined Long Gu (Dragon Bone), Lu Jiao Shuang (Deer Antler), Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus, prepared), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Fu Ling (Poria), Ze Xie (Alisma), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Huang Bai (Phellodendron), Niu Xi (Achyranthes), Da Qing Yan (Big Blue Salt).

[Dosage]: Oral, 9g/pill, 1 pill per dose, twice a day.

③ Cong Rong Bu Shen Wan (Cistanche Kidney Tonifying Pill)

[Main Ingredients]: Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche), Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra, wine-steamed).

[Function and Indications]: Tonifies the kidneys and strengthens Yang. Used for Kidney Deficiency with lower back pain and impotence.

[Dosage]: Oral, 9g per dose, twice a day.

④ You Gui Wan (Right Return Pill)

[Main Ingredients]: Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), Fu Zi (Aconite), Rou Gui (Cinnamon), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus, wine-roasted), Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta), Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Antler Glue), Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry), Dang Gui (Angelica), Du Zhong (Eucommia, salt-roasted).

[Function and Indications]: Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang, fills essence and stops leakage. Used for Kidney Yang Deficiency, decline of Mingmen fire, weakness in the lower back and knees, mental fatigue, cold intolerance, impotence, seminal leakage, loose stools, and frequent clear urination.

[Dosage]: Oral, 9g (1 bag) per dose, three times a day.

⑤ Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium) Extract

[Main Ingredients]: Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium extract), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra extract).

[Function and Indications]: Tonifies the kidneys and strengthens Yang, generates fluids. Used for impotence, premature ejaculation, weakness in the lower back and knees, spontaneous sweating, dizziness, etc.

[Dosage]: Dissolve in hot water, 5g per dose, three times a day.

⑥ Gui Ling Ji (Tortoise Longevity Formula)

[Main Ingredients]: Red Ginseng, Deer Antler, Seahorse, Goji Berry, Clove, Pangolin, Sparrow Brain, Niu Xi (Achyranthes), Lock Yang, Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), Bu Guo Zhi (Psoralea), Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta), Du Zhong (Eucommia), Shi Yan (Stone Salt), Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche), Gan Cao (Licorice), Tian Dong (Asparagus), Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium), Da Qing Yan (Big Blue Salt), Sha Ren (Amomum).

[Function and Indications]: Strengthens the body, nourishes the brain, tonifies the kidneys, and boosts Qi, enhancing appetite. Used for Kidney Deficiency with weak Yang, memory decline, nocturnal emissions, lower back pain, fatigue, cough due to Qi Deficiency, early morning diarrhea, and poor appetite.

[Dosage]: Oral, 0.6g (2 pills) per dose, once a day, taken 2 hours before breakfast with warm saline.

4. Kidney Deficiency with Water Overflow

This refers to a series of symptoms caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency, which fails to warm and transform water and dampness. The kidneys govern water and are interrelated with the bladder. When Kidney Yang is deficient, insufficient Yang energy directly affects the bladder’s ability to perform its vaporization function, leading to reduced urination, accumulation of dampness, and resulting in edema.

[Main Symptoms]: Generalized edema, most severe below the waist, reduced urination, some may experience cough and wheezing, with exacerbated symptoms upon exertion, excessive thin phlegm, pale tongue with white coating.

[Causes]: Prolonged illness leading to weakness, Kidney Yang Deficiency failing to warm and transform fluids, resulting in fluid retention and respiratory symptoms.

[Treatment Principle]: Warm Yang and promote water metabolism.

Kidney Deficiency with Water Overflow — generalized edema, most severe in the lower limbs.

Examples of TCM Formulas

① Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Vitality Pill)

[Main Ingredients]: Che Qian Zi (Plantago Seed), Fu Ling (Poria), Fu Zi (Aconite), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan), Niu Xi (Achyranthes), Rou Gui (Cinnamon), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus), Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), Ze Xie (Alisma).

[Function and Indications]: Warms the kidneys, promotes Qi, and reduces edema. Used for Kidney Deficiency with edema, weakness in the lower back, and cough.

[Dosage]: Oral, 6g per dose for water honey pills, 9g for small honey pills, 1 pill for large honey pills, 2-3 times a day.

② Shen Yan Shu Pian (Kidney Inflammation Relief Tablets)

[Main Ingredients]: Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Bai Mao Gen (Imperata), Fang Ji (Stephania), Sheng Bai Ren (Fresh Ginseng, peeled), Huang Jing (Polygonatum), Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta), Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion).

[Function and Indications]: Benefits the kidneys and strengthens the spleen, promotes water metabolism, and reduces edema. Used for edema due to Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency, presenting with symptoms of edema, lower back pain, fatigue, cold intolerance, and frequent nighttime urination; chronic nephritis with the above symptoms.

[Dosage]: Oral, 6 tablets per dose, 3 times a day, with dosage adjusted for children.

③ Yi Shen Hua Shi Granules (Kidney Transforming Dampness Granules)

[Main Ingredients]: Ren Shen (Ginseng), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Ze Xie (Alisma), Qing Ban Xia (Pinellia), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium), Du Huo (Angelica), Fang Feng (Siler), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Huang Lian (Coptis), Bai Shao (White Peony), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), Da Zao (Jujube).

[Function and Indications]: Raises Yang, strengthens the spleen, benefits the kidneys, transforms dampness, and reduces edema. Used for chronic glomerulonephritis (kidney function: SCr < 2mg/dl) with symptoms of proteinuria, edema, fatigue, cold intolerance, and poor appetite.

[Dosage]: Dissolve in hot water, 1 bag per dose, 3 times a day. Treatment course is 2 months.

Through today’s introduction, I believe everyone has gained a comprehensive understanding of Kidney Deficiency. Wishing everyone health and happiness in the future!

May everyone have abundant Kidney Qi, harmonious Yin and Yang, and good health.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for reference only and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment based on your specific condition. Do not blindly self-medicate, as it may delay your condition!

Friendly Reminder

If you like this article, please share it with your friends. For more information, please follow me.

⊙ Copyright Statement: The article and images are sourced from the internet, and the copyright belongs to the original author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.

⊙This article is for health education purposes only; please follow your doctor’s guidance for specific examinations or treatments.

If you like it, please give me a“thumbs up”