Weakness Of Lower Extremities in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different weakness of lower extremities patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Weakness of the lower extremities refers to a reduction in the strength and ability to perform movements using the legs and feet. This condition can range from a mild decrease in muscle power to a severe incapacity to use the limbs effectively.
It can result from various medical conditions, including neurological disorders, muscular diseases, and circulatory problems. Recognizing and addressing the underlying causes are crucial for managing and improving this condition.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches weakness of the lower extremities as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body’s Qi (energy), Blood, and organ systems. TCM posits that such weakness often arises from Deficiencies or Stagnations affecting the body's vital substances, leading to impaired nourishment and function of the limbs.
Identifying and treating the specific disharmonies, according to TCM principles, is essential for restoring strength and vitality to the lower extremities.
TCM Patterns for Weakness Of Lower Extremities
Yang Deficiency
Causes: Weakness of the lower extremities, Weak legs
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Weakness of the lower extremities, Weak legs
Along with: Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
Weak legs
Along with: Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down
Qi Stagnation
Causes: Weak extremities
Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation
Weak extremities
Along with: Loss of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge, Infertility
Blood Stasis
Causes: Weak extremities
Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation
Weak extremities
Along with: Loss of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge, Infertility
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Weak extremities
Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation
Weak extremities
Along with: Loss of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge, Infertility
Dampness
Causes: Weakness of the lower extremities
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
Weakness of the lower extremities
Along with: Scanty and yellow urine, Lower back pain, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions, Ulcers on the lower limbs, Scanty and dark urine, Painful urination, Dry mouth
Heat
Causes: Weakness of the lower extremities
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
Weakness of the lower extremities
Along with: Scanty and yellow urine, Lower back pain, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions, Ulcers on the lower limbs, Scanty and dark urine, Painful urination, Dry mouth
Herbal Formulas for Weakness Of Lower Extremities
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address weakness of lower extremities
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang
Addresses these weakness of lower extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and Blood
- Invigorates the Blood
Addresses These Weakness Of Lower Extremities Pattern Variations
Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Weak extremities
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge...
Er Miao San
Addresses these weakness of lower extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Dampness from the Lower Burner
- Drains Heat from the Lower Burner
Addresses These Weakness Of Lower Extremities Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
How it manifests:
Weakness of the lower extremities
Accompanying symptoms:
Scanty and yellow urine, Lower back pain, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions...
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan
Addresses these weakness of lower extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Kidneys
- Warms Yang
- Promotes water transformation
- Reduces water retention
Addresses These Weakness Of Lower Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Weakness of the lower extremities, Weak legs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
Addresses these weakness of lower extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and warms Kidney Yang
Addresses These Weakness Of Lower Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Weakness of the lower extremities, Weak legs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Li Zhong Wan
Addresses these weakness of lower extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
Addresses These Weakness Of Lower Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Weak legs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction...
Huan Shao Dan
Addresses these weakness of lower extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Spleen, Heart and Kidneys
- Nourishes Yin and Blood
- Augments Qi
- Tonifies Yang
- Promotes Longevity
Addresses These Weakness Of Lower Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Weak legs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction...
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these weakness of lower extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Yang
- Warms the Kidneys and lower extremities
Addresses These Weakness Of Lower Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Weakness of the lower extremities, Weak legs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
You Gui Wan
Addresses these weakness of lower extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang
- Replenishes the Essence
- Tonifies the Blood
Addresses These Weakness Of Lower Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Weakness of the lower extremities, Weak legs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Er Xian Tang
Addresses these weakness of lower extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin and tonifies Yang of the Kidneys
- Clears Empty Heat
- Regulates the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
Addresses These Weakness Of Lower Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Weakness of the lower extremities, Weak legs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan
Addresses these weakness of lower extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Strengthens the Essence
Addresses These Weakness Of Lower Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Weakness of the lower extremities, Weak legs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Tu Si Zi Wan
Addresses these weakness of lower extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Kidneys
- Prevents abnormal leakage such as urinary incontinence or seminal emissions
Addresses These Weakness Of Lower Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Weakness of the lower extremities, Weak legs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Ji Chuan Jian
Addresses these weakness of lower extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Kidneys
- Nourishes the Blood
- Strengthens the Essence
- Moistens the Intestines
- Unblocks bowels
Addresses These Weakness Of Lower Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Weakness of the lower extremities, Weak legs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Yu Lin Zhu
Addresses these weakness of lower extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Consolidates the Penetrating and Directing Vessel (Chong Mai, Ren Mai)
- Facilitating pregnancy
- Promotes Blood circulation and regulates menstruation
Addresses These Weakness Of Lower Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Weakness of the lower extremities, Weak legs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...