Weakness Of Lower Extremitiesaccording to TCM

Symptom family: Legs disorders and Symptoms

Sub-symptom(s): Weak Legs

What is Weakness of Lower Extremities?

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.

How Does TCM View Weakness of Lower Extremities?

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.

Root Causes of Weakness Of Lower Extremities in TCM

In TCM, weakness of the lower extremities is often attributed to Qi Stagnation and Yang Deficiency, each presenting distinct patterns and symptoms. Qi Stagnation, characterized by Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation, manifests as weak limbs, lower back pain, and abdominal distention.

Yang Deficiency, particularly Kidney Yang Deficiency, results in symptoms such as coldness, dizziness, and weakness in the legs. Additionally, Dampness, manifesting as Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, can lead to swollen knees, red and swollen feet, and weakness in the lower extremities. TCM treatments focus on the underlying patterns to effectively alleviate symptoms.

Explore below more details about what might cause Weakness of lower extremities according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Stasis
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Dampness
  • Heat
  • Kidney
  • Spleen
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Weakness Of Lower Extremities

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Weak And Cold Knees Chills Weak Legs Bright Pale Face Generalized Fatigue General Weakness Leg Edema

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency Weakness of the lower extremities, Weak legs, 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... see more Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan | Shen Qi Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | You Gui Wan | Er Xian Tang | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ji Chuan Jian
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency Weak legs, 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, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more Li Zhong Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Weakness Of Lower Extremities

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation Weak extremities, Lack of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge, Infertility... see more Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Weakness Of Lower Extremities

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation Weak extremities, Lack of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge, Infertility... see more Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Weakness Of Lower Extremities

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation Weak extremities, Lack of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge, Infertility... see more Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Weakness Of Lower Extremities

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner Weakness of the lower extremities, 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... see more Er Miao San
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Weakness Of Lower Extremities

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner Weakness of the lower extremities, 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... see more Er Miao San
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Weakness Of Lower Extremities

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Weak And Cold Knees Chills Weak Legs Bright Pale Face Generalized Fatigue General Weakness Leg Edema

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency Weakness of the lower extremities, Weak legs, 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... see more Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan | Shen Qi Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | You Gui Wan | Er Xian Tang | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ji Chuan Jian
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency Weak legs, 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, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more Li Zhong Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Weakness Of Lower Extremities

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency Weak legs, 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, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more Li Zhong Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Weakness Of Lower Extremities

TCM recommends various formulas and herbs to treat weakness in the lower extremities, tailored to address the specific patterns identified. For Qi Stagnation and Blood Deficiency, Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang, which includes Motherwort Herbs (Yi Mu Cao), is used to tonify and invigorate the blood.

To combat Kidney Yang Deficiency, formulas like Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan and Shen Qi Wan, both containing Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), are employed to warm Yang and fortify the kidneys. For issues of Dampness leading to weakness, Er Miao San, with Phellodendron bark (Huang Bo), is utilized to expel dampness and clear heat. These treatments aim to rebalance the body’s energies, strengthen the limbs, and restore health.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address weakness of lower extremities, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Stasis
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Dampness
  • Heat
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify
  • Formulas that expel dampness
  • Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify yin and yang
  • Formulas that moisten intestines and unblock bowels

All Formulas Recommended for Weakness Of Lower Extremities Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
You Gui Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Er Xian Tang Kidney Yang Deficiency
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Tu Si Zi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Ji Chuan Jian Kidney Yang Deficiency
Li Zhong Wan Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency

All "formulas that warm yang and tonify" recommended for weakness of lower extremities

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
You Gui Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Tu Si Zi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency

Acupoints for Weakness Of Lower Extremities

Explore below some acupoints used to address weakness of lower extremities, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Extra Points: Lower Extremities (EX-LE)
Tianzhu BL-10

Tianzhu BL-10

1.3 cun lateral to Yamen DU-15 on the posterior midline, 0.5 cun above the posterior hairline, on the lateral side of trapezius muscle.

Chengjin BL-56

Chengjin BL-56

5 cun inferior to Weizhong BL-40 which is the midpoint of the popliteal crease. In the center of the belly of gastrocnemius muscle, midway between Heyang BL-55 and Chengshan BL-57.

Chengshan BL-57

Chengshan BL-57

Directly below the belly of the gastrocnemius muscle and between the two heads of the muscle, on the line connecting Weizhong BL-40 and Kunlun BL-60, about 8 cun below Weizhong BL-40.

Fuyang BL-59

Fuyang BL-59

On the lateral aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun above Kunlun BL-60.

Yinshi ST-33

Yinshi ST-33

3 cun above the upper-lateral border of the patella, on a line between the lateral patellar border and the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).

Tiaokou ST-38

Tiaokou ST-38

8 cun below Dubi ST-35, midway between Dubi ST-35 and Jiexi ST-41, one middle finger-width from the anterior crest of the tibia.

Heding EX-LE-2

Heding EX-LE-2

In the center of the upper border of the patella.