Lumbar Pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different lumbar pain patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Lumbar pain, commonly known as lower back pain, is a prevalent condition characterized by discomfort or pain in the lower spine area. It can manifest as a dull ache, sharp pain, or a sense of soreness and weakness in the lumbar region.
Lumbar pain is often a result of various factors, including muscular strain, disc injuries, or degenerative conditions, and can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches lumbar pain as a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body's energy systems. TCM sees this pain as a result of disharmony in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood, often linked to Deficiencies or Stagnations in specific organ systems.
Unlike Western medicine, which typically focuses on the physical aspects of pain, TCM considers both the physical and energetic contributors to lumbar pain, aiming to address the root causes through a holistic approach.
TCM Patterns for Lumbar Pain
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause lumbar pain
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi), Weak (Ruo)
Pale, Swollen and wet with a white coating.
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Weak (Ruo)
A pale and puffy tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi), Weak (Ruo)
Pale, Swollen and wet with a white coating.
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Weak (Ruo)
A pale and puffy tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Weak (Ruo)
A pale and puffy tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Lumbar Pain
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address lumbar pain