What are the clinical manifestations of the kidney's failure to receive and hold Qi?
Dec 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Kidney failure to receive Qi belongs to the category of TCM syndromes and diseases, whose clinical manifestations are usually related to respiration and physical condition. Common symptoms include prolonged and unresolved asthma, exhalation exceeding inhalation, worsened dyspnea upon exertion, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, aversion to cold with cold limbs, etc. Patients often experience long-standing, recurrent episodes of wheezing that persist for extended periods and are difficult to resolve completely. During wheezing attacks, breathing becomes shallow and rapid, with difficulty maintaining continuous breath.
Renal failure to grasp qi belongs to the category of syndromes in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with clinical manifestations primarily related to respiration and general physical condition. Common symptoms include prolonged and unresolved asthma, exhaling more than inhaling, worsened breathlessness after physical activity, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, aversion to cold with cold limbs, etc. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Chronic persistent asthma: Patients often experience long-term, recurring episodes of wheezing that last for an extended duration and are difficult to resolve completely. During attacks, breathing becomes shallow and rapid, with a sensation of interrupted breath. Even after routine regulation, symptoms tend to recur easily, affecting daily activities and rest.
2. Exhaling more than inhaling: During respiration, the volume of exhaled air is noticeably greater than inhaled air. Patients feel that inhaled air cannot penetrate deeply into the body, lacking a sense of fullness in the chest or abdomen. This is often accompanied by chest tightness, shortness of breath, subjective feelings of insufficient qi, and the need to frequently open the mouth to assist breathing.
3. Worsened breathlessness after activity: Breathlessness significantly intensifies after mild physical exertion such as walking or climbing stairs, and only gradually improves after prolonged rest. In severe cases, breathlessness may even occur while sitting quietly, making it impossible to perform any activity requiring moderate physical effort.
4. Soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees: The lower back and knees commonly feel achy and weak, with symptoms becoming more pronounced after standing or sitting for long periods. Although there is no obvious tenderness upon pressing the lower back, patients often feel emptiness and fatigue in this area. Daily movements such as bending over or standing up require slow execution to avoid worsening discomfort.
5. Aversion to cold with cold limbs: Patients frequently feel cold throughout the body, especially in the extremities, which remain cool even in warm environments. This may be accompanied by low energy, pale complexion, increased sensitivity to cold stimuli, and symptoms such as icy hands and feet and general cold intolerance.
When the above symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek timely professional TCM diagnosis and treatment to prevent prolonged delay from increasing bodily strain. Daily precautions should include keeping warm, avoiding excessive fatigue and intense physical activity, and engaging appropriately in gentle health-preserving exercises to help improve overall physical condition and promote recovery.
