What are the main symptoms of kidney essence deficiency?
Dec 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, kidney essence deficiency, as a common syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly presents symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, premature graying of hair and beard, impaired memory, and reduced reproductive function. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to maintain regular作息 (daily routines), avoid staying up late to prevent depletion of kidney essence, and may appropriately consume certain foods that nourish the kidneys and enrich essence, such as black beans and walnuts.
Generally, kidney essence deficiency is a common syndrome in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and its main symptoms include soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, premature graying of hair and beard, memory decline, and reduced reproductive function. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees: When kidney essence is deficient, the lower back and knees lose nourishment, leading to feelings of soreness, weakness, and fatigue. Symptoms may worsen after physical activity. Some individuals may also experience dull lower back pain, affecting basic daily activities such as walking and standing.
2. Dizziness and tinnitus: The kidneys produce marrow, and the brain is known as the "sea of marrow." Insufficient kidney essence leads to an underfilled marrow sea, depriving the brain of adequate nourishment, which results in dizziness and vertigo. Additionally, since the kidneys open into the ears, deficient kidney essence causes poor nourishment of the ear orifices, leading to tinnitus and, in severe cases, hearing loss.
3. Premature graying of hair and beard: Hair growth depends on nourishment from kidney essence. When kidney essence is abundant, hair is dark, lustrous, and grows vigorously. However, when kidney essence is deficient, hair loses its nourishment, resulting in premature whitening of the hair and beard. Some individuals may also experience dry, brittle hair and increased hair loss.
4. Memory decline: Deficiency of kidney essence leads to insufficient marrow sea, impairing the brain's cognitive and memory functions. This manifests as poor memory, difficulty concentrating, slow reactions, and forgetfulness—especially regarding recent events—negatively affecting work and study performance.
5. Reduced reproductive function: Kidney essence is the foundation of reproduction. In men, deficiency may lead to reduced sperm count and decreased sperm motility. In women, it may result in menstrual irregularities and ovulation disorders, potentially impairing fertility in severe cases.
Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to maintain regular作息 (daily routines), avoid staying up late (which depletes kidney essence), and consume kidney-tonifying and essence-nourishing foods such as black beans and walnuts. Moderate exercise and avoiding overexertion in daily life can help nourish kidney essence and improve overall constitution.
