Premature Agingaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Premature Aging Conditions
Root Causes of Premature Aging in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Premature aging according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Essence Deficiency
- Yang Deficiency
- Kidney
Essence Deficiency
In TCM "Essence" (Jing) deficiency refers to a depletion of the body's fundamental substance, which is vital for growth, development, reproduction, and overall vitality. Jing, often translated as "Essence," is a unique concept in TCM, seen as the basis of all life activities and inherited from our parents. Essence deficiency manifests in various symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, weakness, slow physical or mental development, fertility issues, premature aging, weak bones, and a lackluster complexion. It can also affect the hair, leading to premature greying or hair loss. This pattern of disharmony often arises from congenital factors, chronic illness, overwork, or excessive behaviors that drain the body's resources. ... see more
Essence Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Premature Aging
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Essence Deficiency | Premature aging, Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Intellectual disability, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain, Infertility, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness... see more | Zuo Gui Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
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 Premature Aging
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yang Deficiency | Premature aging, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, 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... see more | You Gui Wan |
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 Premature Aging
Common Symptoms: Deafness Lower Back Pain Infertility Dizziness Weak Limbs Poor Memory Loose Teeth Back Pain
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Essence Deficiency | Premature aging, Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Intellectual disability, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain, Infertility, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness... see more | Zuo Gui Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Kidney Yang Deficiency | Premature aging, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, 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... see more | You Gui Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Premature Aging
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address premature aging, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Essence Deficiency
- Yang Deficiency
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
Top Formula for Essence Deficiency:
Zuo Gui Wan
Suitable for Essence Deficiency patterns that may cause premature aging, such as Kidney Essence Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Premature Aging Caused by Essence Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
You Gui Wan
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause premature aging, such as Kidney Yang Deficiency
Learn moreFormulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some premature aging-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, with cuscuta seeds as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm yang and tonify" recommended for premature aging
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| You Gui Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some premature aging-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Zuo Gui Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some premature aging-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Premature Aging
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address premature aging, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Premature aging can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for premature aging, like Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for premature aging
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi) | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Pilose Antlers (Lu Rong) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Desert-Living Cistanches (Rou Cong Rong) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao) | You Gui Wan |
| Deer Placentas (Lu Tai) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Premature aging can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for premature aging, like Zuo Gui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for premature aging
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Zuo Gui Wan |
| Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Premature aging can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for premature aging, like You Gui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for premature aging
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | You Gui Wan |
| Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) | You Gui Wan |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Premature aging can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Yam (Shan Yao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for premature aging, like Tu Si Zi Wan.