Lumbar Painaccording to TCM

What is Lumbar Pain?

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.

How Does TCM View Lumbar Pain?

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.

Root Causes of Lumbar Pain in TCM

In TCM, lumbar pain is often associated with patterns like Yang Deficiency and Painful Obstruction.

Kidney Yang Deficiency, for instance, can lead to symptoms such as soreness in the lower back, cold sensations, and edema, reflecting a decline in the vital warmth and energy of the Kidney.

Another pattern, Painful Obstruction, is characterized by lumbar stiffness and joint pain, often linked to external factors like Wind, Cold, or Dampness invading the body. Identifying the precise pattern is crucial in TCM for tailoring the treatment to effectively alleviate the pain and restore balance.

Explore below more details about what might cause Lumbar pain according to TCM.

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 Lumbar Pain

Common Symptoms: Edema Of The Lower Extremities Cold Sensation In Legs And Back Abdominal Distention Chills Scanty Clear Urination Palpitations Shortness Of Breath Cold Hands

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing	Soreness of the lower back, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, White and watery sputum, Coughing, Asthma... see more	Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency	Soreness of the lower back, Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice... see more	Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Zai Zao San

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 Lumbar Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing	Soreness of the lower back, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, White and watery sputum, Coughing, Asthma... see more	Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Lumbar Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency	Soreness of the lower back, Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice... see more	Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Zai Zao San

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Lumbar Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency	Soreness of the lower back, Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice... see more	Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Zai Zao San

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 Lumbar Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing	Soreness of the lower back, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, White and watery sputum, Coughing, Asthma... see more	Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Lumbar Pain

To address these patterns, TCM utilizes specific formulas and herbs.

For conditions like Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing, Wu Ling San, which includes herbs like Water plantain (Ze Xie), is recommended to promote urination and leach out Dampness.

For Painful Obstruction, Wu Tou Tang is used, with Prepared Sichuan aconite (Zhi Chuan Wu) as a key ingredient, to warm the meridians and disperse Cold. These formulas reflect TCM's nuanced approach to treating lumbar pain by focusing on the underlying imbalances.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address lumbar pain, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Wu Ling San

Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause lumbar pain, such as Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Lumbar Pain Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Wu Ling San	Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan	Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang	Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Zai Zao San	Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

Top Formula for Dampness:
Wu Ling San

Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause lumbar pain, such as Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Lumbar Pain Caused by Dampness

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Wu Ling San	Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan	Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing

Top Formula for Cold:
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang

Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause lumbar pain, such as Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Lumbar Pain Caused by Cold

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang	Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Zai Zao San	Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

Top Formula for Wind:
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause lumbar pain, such as Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Lumbar Pain Caused by Wind

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang	Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Zai Zao San	Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

Acupoints for Lumbar Pain

Acupuncture is another integral part of TCM treatment for lumbar pain. Points like Baihuanshu BL-30 and Chengjin BL-56 on the Bladder Channel are targeted for their ability to strengthen the lower back and relax sinews. Fengmen BL-12 and Ganshu BL-18 are also utilized for their effects on expelling Wind and invigorating Qi and Blood, respectively.

Additionally, acupoints like Yaotongdian EX-UE-7 and Yaoyan EX-B-7 are selected for their specific actions in strengthening Qi and Blood in the lumbar region and benefiting the lumbar spine. These points are chosen based on their traditional indications and the individual's specific condition, forming a comprehensive approach to treat lumbar pain.

Explore below some acupoints used to address lumbar pain, organized by meridian.

Fengmen BL-12

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2).

Ganshu BL-18

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).

Zhonglushu BL-29

At the level of the 3rd posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Baihuanshu BL-30

At the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Shangliao BL-31

In the 1st posterior sacral foramen, about midway between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the midline.

Zhongliao BL-33

In the 3rd posterior sacral foramen, between the posterior superior iliac spine and the midline.

Xialiao BL-34

In the 4th posterior sacral foramen, between the posterior superior iliac spine and the midline.

Huiyang BL-35

On either side of the coccyx tip, 0.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Geguan BL-46

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra (T7).

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.

Pucan BL-61

Posterior and inferior to the external malleolus, directly below Kunlun BL-60, in the depression of the calcaneum at the junction of the red and white skin.

Wushu GB-27

In the lateral side of the abdomen, in the front of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), 3 cun below the level of the umbilicus.

Yaotongdian EX-UE-7

This is a group of 2 points, located on the hand dorsum. One point is between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones while the other is between the 4th and 5th. They are on the level of the junctions of the shaft and the base of the respective metacarpal bones.

Yaoyan EX-B-7

3.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra (L4).

Renzhong DU-26

Below the nose, a little above the midpoint of the philtrum.

Zhongzhu KID-15

1 cun below the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.