What are the symptoms of spleen-kidney yang deficiency?

Aug 24, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. He Haochen

Introduction

The primary symptoms of Spleen-Kidney Yang deficiency include aversion to cold, fatigue, diminished memory, and mental lethargy. Kidney Yang serves as the “root of congenital constitution,” representing the fundamental source of Yang Qi that fortifies the body and safeguards its integrity. Spleen Yang, by contrast, constitutes the foundation of the “acquired constitution.” Spleen Yang and Kidney Yang mutually support and reinforce one another. Together, they generate Yang Qi while simultaneously performing a series of vital functions—including nourishing Qi, consolidating the exterior, warming and transforming bodily substances, and invigorating the spirit. When both Spleen Yang and Kidney Yang become deficient concurrently, this imbalance gradually worsens over time.

　　Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome is a diagnostic pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This condition commonly arises when cold pathogenic factors invade the body, impairing the Yang Qi of both the spleen and kidney, and leading to deficiency patterns in other zang-fu organs. What, then, are the symptoms of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency?

　　What Are the Symptoms of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency?

　　The primary symptoms of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency include aversion to cold, fatigue, diminished memory, and mental lethargy. Kidney Yang serves as the “root of congenital constitution,” providing the fundamental Yang Qi that fortifies the body and defends against external pathogens. Spleen Yang, by contrast, constitutes the “foundation of acquired constitution.” Spleen Yang and Kidney Yang mutually support and reinforce one another; together, they generate Yang Qi while simultaneously nourishing Qi, consolidating the exterior, warming the body, and invigorating the spirit. When both Spleen Yang and Kidney Yang become chronically deficient, the production of Qi and Blood gradually declines. This may further lead to Heart-Blood deficiency, Liver-Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency, and insufficiency of Body Fluids. Therefore, prompt medical consultation is essential upon recognition of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency.

　　Individuals with Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency are generally advised to consume foods that warm the kidneys and tonify Yang, such as lamb, dog meat, venison, eel, and walnuts. Even during summer, they should avoid cold or raw foods. Under professional guidance from a TCM practitioner, patients may take herbal formulas that tonify Kidney Yang—such as Cordyceps sinensis, Cistanche deserticola, Eucommia ulmoides, Cuscuta chinensis, and velvet antler—and/or patent medicines like Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan (Jin Kui Kidney Qi Pill) or Quan Lu Wan (Deer Antler Glue Pill), tailored to individual needs.

　　If symptoms suggestive of disease appear in daily life, timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial, along with active cooperation with healthcare providers. We hope this information proves helpful to you.

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What Foods Should Be Eaten for Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency?

Individuals with spleen-kidney yang deficiency may consume foods that strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness or tonify the spleen and augment qi, such as red beans, sorghum paste, and japonica rice. During cooking, a small amount of fresh or dried ginger may be added to warm and tonify the spleen yang. Additionally, under the guidance of a licensed TCM practitioner, herbal formulas such as Renshen Jianpi Wan (Ginseng Spleen-Strengthening Pills) or Shenling Baizhu San (Ginseng-Poria-Atractylodes Powder) may be taken. It is advisable to incorporate easily digestible foods into daily meals; for instance, consuming japonica rice and Atractylodes macrocephala congee is beneficial—it nourishes the spleen and stomach while ensuring good absorption.

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What Should One Eat for Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency?

Individuals with Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency typically present symptoms such as aversion to cold, weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, and diarrhea. Daily dietary regulation can be beneficial for this pattern; foods such as goji berries, sesame seeds, millet, cowpeas, dog meat, light vegetables, and sea cucumber are particularly effective in tonifying Spleen and Kidney Yang and may be incorporated regularly into the diet. For clinical treatment of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency, Guizhi Fangfeng Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Saposhnikovia Decoction) may be selected.

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Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Symptoms

The primary symptoms of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency include aversion to cold, fatigue, diminished memory, and mental lethargy. Over time, diarrhea may occur around 5 a.m. Patients often feel the urge to defecate between 4 and 5 a.m. daily, and their stools are consistently loose and watery. Kidney Yang constitutes the “innate foundation” of the body, serving as the fundamental source of Yang Qi that fortifies and protects the body. Spleen Yang represents the “acquired foundation,” and Spleen Yang and Kidney Yang mutually support and reinforce one another.

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Proctitis is not related to the spleen or kidneys. As the name suggests, proctitis refers to inflammation of the rectal mucosa, characterized by mucosal hyperemia and edema. These symptoms are typically associated with long-term consumption of spicy or greasy foods—not with spleen deficiency. It is recommended to pay attention to dietary habits: avoid spicy, stimulating, and cold foods; refrain from overeating or binge eating; drink plenty of water; and maintain regular, unobstructed bowel movements.