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Kidney Tonic (Yin)

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Kidney yin deficiency with depletion of the marrow and jing (essence)

* Clinical signs and symptoms: dizziness, vertigo, weakness of knees, soreness of the lower back, night and/or spontaneous sweating, spermatorrhea and/or nocturnal emission, tinnitus, dribbling of urine, thirst with desire to drink, dry mouth and throat, mirror-like tongue surface with little coating

* Clinical applications: male sexual dysfunction (spermatorrhea and nocturnal emission), infertility due to premature ovarian failure, uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, multiple neuritis, and polyneuritis

 

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Antiaging function to stop premature aging

* Treats sexual and reproductive disorders

* Improves sensory and nerve functions

* Adaptogenic effect to alleviate mental and physical stress

 

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Nourishes yin

* Tonifies the Kidney

 

DOSAGE

Take 3 to 4 capsules three times daily. Dosage can be increased up to 6 to 8 capsules three times daily to treat more severe symptoms.

 

INGREDIENTS


Fu Ling (Poria)

Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae)

Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii)

Gui Ban Jiao (Gelatinum Plastrum Testudinis)

Huang Jing (Rhizoma Polygonati)

Lu Jiao Shuang (Cornu Cervi Degelatinatum)

Niu Xi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae)

Nu Zhen Zi (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi)

Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae)

Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni)

Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata)

Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae)


 

BACKGROUND

The function of Kidney in traditional Chinese medicine is closely related to the physiology of the genitourinary system in Western medicine. In Western medicine, genitourinary disorders include a wide variety of disorders, such as infertility, low libido, sexual dysfunction, increased urinary frequency, polyuria, urinary incontinence, nephrotic syndrome, chronic nephritis, and others. In traditional Chinese medicine, these disorders are usually diagnosed as Kidney yang deficiency, Kidney yin deficiency, or both.

 

FORMULA EXPLANATION

Kidney Tonic (Yin) is designed to tonify the Kidney yin and replenish the marrow and jing (essence). Since the brain is the sea of marrow, deficiency of the marrow may lead to dizziness and vertigo. Deficiency of the Kidney often causes deficiency of the lower body, leading to weak knees and sore back. Night sweating, dry mouth and throat, and thirst indicate general yin deficiency and lack of body fluids. Nocturnal emission and spermatorrhea are the result of deficiency fire causing the jing (essence) to leak out. A mirror-like tongue surface with little coating indicates severe yin deficiency.

        Kidney Tonic (Yin) uses Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata) to tonify the Kidney and replenish the Kidney yin. Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii) tonifies jing (essence) and improves vision to relieve dizziness. Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni) has a sour taste, and astringes the yin and body fluids to prevent further depletion. Gui Ban Jiao (Gelatinum Plastrum Testudinis) and Lu Jiao Shuang (Cornu Cervi Degelatinatum) are two animal substances that have a very strong effect to nourish the Kidney and tonify the jing (essence). Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae) combines with Niu Xi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae) to tonify the Kidney and strengthen the lower body to relieve sore back and weak knees. Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae) tonifies the Kidney and strengthens the Spleen. Nu Zhen Zi (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi) and Huang Jing (Rhizoma Polygonati) further replenish Kidney yin while Fu Ling (Poria) strengthens the Spleen to help with absorption of the tonics. Finally, Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) harmonizes the entire formula.

        In conclusion, Kidney Tonic (Yin) tonifies Kidney yin and treat related biomedical disorders.

 

CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

* This formula is contraindicated in cases of excess, stagnation or fire, inflammation and infection.

* Patients with weak digestion should take this formula with caution as the yin tonic herbs may cause stagnation in the middle jiao and create bloating sensation.

* This formula is not recommended for prolonged use (more than two or three months). Switching to milder yin tonic formulas such as Nourish or Nourish (Fluids) is recommended.

 

CLINICAL NOTE

* This formula is heavy and full of nutrients to nourish the yin aspect of the body. For that reason, it is to be used for treatment purposes and stopped once desired effect is achieved. To consolidate the effect, switch to a milder yin tonic formula such as Nourish for better results.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY FORMULAS

* With Kidney yang deficiency, add Kidney Tonic (Yang).

* For hot flashes, tidal fever, and steaming bone sensations, add Balance (Heat).

* For vaginal dryness, add Balance Spring.

* For thirst and dryness, add Nourish (Fluids).

* For qi deficiency, add Cordyceps 3.

* For qi and blood deficiencies, add Imperial Tonic.

* For dry cough with scanty sputum, add Respitrol (CF).

* For dry stool, add Gentle Lax (Deficient).

* For infertility, add Blossom (Phase 1-4).

* For dizziness, vertigo or high blood pressure, add Gastrodia Complex.

* For osteoporosis, add Osteo 8.

* For degeneration of soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage), add Flex (MLT).

* For weakness and soreness of the back, add Back Support (CR).

* For weakness and soreness of the knees, add Knee & Ankle (CR).

* For hair loss, add Polygonum 14.

* For visual disturbances, blurriness, redness or pain, add Lycium Support.

 

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

Traditional Points:

* Shenshu (BL 23), Taixi (KI 3), Guanyuan (CV 4), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Qihai (CV 6), Zhishi (BL 52)

 

Classic Master Tung's Points:

  *   Infertility (female): Fuke (T 11.24), Huanchao (T 11.06), Tongshen (T 88.09), Tongbei (T 88.11), Tianhuang (T 77.17), Dihuang (T 77.19), Renhuang (T 77.21), Jiemeiyi (T 88.04), Jiemeier (T 88.05), Jiemeisan (T 88.06), Mufu (T 88.38)*, Tianhuang (T 88.13), Minghuang (T 88.12), Qihuang (T 88.14). Moxa lower abdomen.

* Infertility (male): Tianhuang (T 77.17), Dihuang (T 77.19), Renhuang (T 77.21), Tianhuang (T 88.13), Minghuang (T 88.12), Qihuang (T 88.14), Endocrine, Kidney and testicle point on the ear. Moxa du (governing) channel on the back.

* Spermatorrhea: Tianhuang (T 77.17), Dihuang (T 77.19), Renhuang (T 77.21), Tongshen (T 88.09), Tongwei (T 88.10), Shuijin (T 1010.20), Shuitong (T 1010.19), Tianhuangfu [Shenguan] (T 77.18). Moxa Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Zhongshu (GV 7).

* Dizziness: Linggu (T 22.05), Dabai (T 22.04), Zhenghui (T 1010.01), Wanshunyi (T 22.08), Wanshuner (T 22.09), Luotong (T 44.14), two points on the sides of the first metacarpal joint of the thumb, Fuding (T 44.04), Tongshen (T 88.09), Tongwei (T 88.10), Tongbei (T 88.11), Zhitong (T 44.13)  

* Back soreness: Linggu (T 22.05), Chongzi (T 22.01), Chongxian (T 22.02), Wanshunyi (T 22.08), Wanshuner (T 22.09), Zhongbai (T 22.06), Zhengjin (T 77.01), Zhengzong (T 77.02), Zhongjiuli (T 88.25), Tongshen (T 88.09), Tongwei (T 88.10), Simashang (T 88.18), Simazhong (T 88.17), Simaxia (T 88.19), Shuijin (T 1010.20), Shuitong (T 1010.19), Chengshan (BL 57), Biyi (T 1010.22), Zhitong (T 44.13)

* Tinnitus: Mu (T 11.17), Wanshunyi (T 22.08), Wanshuner (T 22.09), Xiabai (T 22.07), Zhongbai (T 22.06), Simashang (T 88.18), Simazhong (T 88.17), Simaxia (T 88.19), Tianhuangfu [Shenguan] (T 77.18), Tongshen (T 88.09), Yizhong (T 77.05), Erzhong (T 77.06), Sanzhong (T 77.07), Menjin (T 66.05), Shuiqu (T 66.09). Bleed dark veins on the lateral aspect of the lower limb. Bleed before needling for best result.

* Dry mouth: Sanshen (T 44.27)*, Tongshen (T 88.09), Tongwei (T 88.10), Sihuashang (T 77.08)

* Amenorrhea: Fuke (T 11.24), Jiemeiyi (T 88.04), Jiemeier (T 88.05), Jiemeisan (T 88.06), Tianhuang (T 77.17), Dihuang (T 77.19), Renhuang (T 77.21), Tianhuang (T 88.13), Minghuang (T 88.12), Qihuang (T 88.14)

 

Master Tung’s Points by Dr. Chuan-Min Wang:

* Kidney yin deficiency: Tongshen (T 88.09), Tongwei (T 88.10), Tongbei (T 88.11)

 

Balance Method by Dr. Richard Tan:

* Bilateral: Rangu (KI 2), Dazhong (KI 4), Fuliu (KI 7)

* Left side: Shenmen (HT 7), Shaohai (HT 3), Zulinqi (GB 41), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Weizhong (BL 40), Shugu (BL 65)

* Right side: Zhongzhu (TH 3), Tianjing (TH 10), Houxi (SI 3), Xiaohai (SI 8), Taixi (KI 3), Yingu (KI 10)

 

Auricular Medicine by Dr. Li-Chun Huang:

* Frequent micturition: Urethra, Prostate, Pituitary, Internal Urethra (for female patients), Occiput

§ For inflammation due to frequent micturition, bleed Ear Apex.

§ For frequent micturition due to nervousness, add Nervous Subcortex and Shenmen.

* Tinnitus: Internal Ear, Temple (Auditory Center), San Jiao

§ For tinnitus due to excess, add Gallbladder and Liver. Bleed Ear Apex.

§ For tinnitus due to deficiency, add Kidney.

* Kidney deficiency: Kidney, Pituitary, Endocrine, Liver, Heart, Thalamus, Adrenal Gland

* Excessive sweating: Sympathetic, Thalamus, Heart, Lung, Spleen, Nervous Subcortex, corresponding sweating areas

 

NUTRITION

* Increase intake of nourishing roots such as Mexican yam, yam, radishes, potatoes, carrots, melons, cucumbers, beets, turnips, malanga, celeriac, taro, and rutabaga.

* Warm and hot natured foods that damage qi and yin should be avoided, such as:

§ certain fruits like mango and durian that produce heat.

§ stimulants like coffee, alcohol, and energy drinks.

§ spicy/pungent/aromatic vegetables such as pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, funnel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili pepper, and wasabi.

* Avoid food and drinks with artificial coloring.

* Consume as few meat products as possible. Do not eat processed meats, such as lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages, as they contain nitrites that are associated with inflammation and chronic disease.

 

The Tao of Nutrition by Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease:

* Recommendations: cooling foods, mulberries, apples, peaches, pears, fresh vegetables, mung beans, most beans, soybeans, tofu, soy sprouts, and chrysanthemum flowers.

* Avoid hot foods, spicy foods, smoking, alcohol, stress, and strong emotions.

 

CASE STUDIES

* L.S., a 45-year-old female, presented with hyperthyroidism, which she had been previously diagnosed with but for which she was not interested in receiving Western treatment. Her symptoms consisted of rapid heart beat, weight loss, hair loss, and exhaustion. Blood tests had also confirmed the indication of her hyperthyroidism as well. The patient had noted she had a tendency to always feel stressed at work. After diagnosing this condition as Kidney yin deficiency with Liver qi stagnation, the patient was prescribed both Kidney Tonic (Yin) and Thyrodex. With taking the herbs the patient reported that most of her symptoms had stabilized; however, the hair loss was still present. She continued to take the herbs for additional improvement. Submitted by B.L., Fort Myers, Florida.

* C.R., a 56-year old female, presented with hot flashes. Additional symptoms included difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, anxiety, and depression. It was noted that her palpitations and sweating were constant. The practitioner diagnosed this condition as Kidney yin deficiency with heat. Nourish (Fluids), Kidney Tonic (Yin), and Balance (Heat) were prescribed. In result of taking the Kidney Tonic (Yin) with Balance (Heat), she noticed less heat sensation as well as decrease in both anxiety and sleep difficulty but was still sweating slightly. Afterwards, taking Kidney Tonic (Yin) with Nourish (Fluids) , the patient was no longer experiencing the dry mouth and thirst. Submitted by J.C., Rosemead, California.

 

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

Kidney Tonic (Yin) is formulated specifically to tonify Kidney yin and replenish marrow and jing (essence). From the Western perspectives, this formula treats sexual and reproductive disorders, and improves sensory and nerve functions. Furthermore, this formula contains many herbs with general adaptogenic and antiaging functions.

        Many herbs in this formula have been used with great success to treat various sexual dysfunctions. For example, Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata), Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae), Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni), Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae) and others were found to effectively treat seven men with sexual dysfunction and decreased levels of testosterone. The herbal therapy effectively reversed signs and symptoms of sexual dysfunction, and raised the plasma testosterone level to normal.[1]

        Kidney Tonic (Yin) also addresses reproductive disorders, including male and female infertility. Pharmacologically, administration of Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni) is associated with substantial stimulatory effects on sperm motility from 25.8 +/- 7.7% to 42.8 +/- 10.3%.[2] Clinically, the herbs have been shown to effectively increase sperm count and improve sperm motility among 33 of 42 men within approximately two months. In follow-up visits two years after the initial treatment, all 33 men were successful in having children.[3] For female infertility, the herbs were used successfully to treat infertility caused by premature ovarian failure and secondary amenorrhea.[4]

        Furthermore, this formula also treats menstrual disorders, such as amenorrhea and uterine bleeding. According to one study, use of these herbs for two to three months was successful in treating 9 of 14 patients with amenorrhea due to Kidney yin deficiency.[5] For uterine bleeding, one study reported significant improvement in 17 of 22 patients using these herbs to treat uterine bleeding characterized by Kidney yin and/or yang deficiency.[6] According to another study, use of these Kidney yin tonic herbs was associated with complete recovery in 38 of 45 patients with uterine bleeding.[7]

        In addition to tonifying Kidney yin, this formula also replenishes the marrow and jing (essence) to treat sensory and nerve disorders. For sensory disorder, use of Huang Jing (Rhizoma Polygonati) enhanced auditory function and improved hearing in 100 patients with deafness.[8] For nerve disorders, use of many herbs in this formula has been shown to treat multiple neuritis,[9] polyneuritis,[10] and retrogressive myelitis.[11]

        Lastly, in addition to specific effects, Kidney Tonic (Yin) uses many herbs with general adaptogenic and antiaging effect to alleviate mental stress, physical stress, and premature aging.[12],[13]

 

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

One striking difference between Western and traditional Chinese medicine is that Western medicine focuses and excels in crisis management, while traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes and shines in holistic and preventative treatments. Therefore, in emergencies, such as gunshot wounds or surgery, Western medicine is generally the treatment of choice. However, for treatment of chronic idiopathic illness of unknown origins, where all lab tests are normal and a clear diagnosis cannot be made, traditional Chinese medicine is distinctly superior.

        In traditional Chinese medicine, Kidney yin provides the substance needed for normal growth and functioning of the body. Therefore, a decline in Kidney yin leads to symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, weakness of knees, soreness of the lower back, night and/or spontaneous sweating, spermatorrhea and/or nocturnal emission, tinnitus, dribbling of urine, thirst with desire to drink, dry mouth and throat, and a mirror-like tongue surface with little coating. Clinical applications include male sexual dysfunction (spermatorrhea and nocturnal emission), infertility due to premature ovarian failure, uterine bleeding, and amenorrhea. In short, Kidney yin affects many systems in the body, including the sexual and reproductive systems. Proper use of Kidney yin tonics ensures optimal health and prevents deterioration of these conditions.

        Western medicine, on the other hand, considers many of these symptoms to be non-specific and non-diagnostic. Furthermore, laboratory tests are generally normal, despite the patients still having various signs and symptoms. Under these circumstances, Western medicine struggles to identify a specific diagnosis and appropriate treatment. As a result, these conditions continue to deteriorate, becoming increasingly debilitating on daily basis.

 



[1] Nan Jing Yi Xue Yuan Xue Bao (Journal of Nanjing University of Medicine), 1988, 4:331.

[2] Jeng H, Wu CM, Su SJ, Chang WC. A substance isolated from Cornus officinalis enhances the motility of human sperm. Department of Anatomy, Taipei Medical College, Taiwan. Am J Chin Med. 1997;25(3-4):301-6.

[3] Xin Zhong Yi (New Chinese Medicine), 1988; 2:20.

[4] Chao SL. Huang LW. Yen HR. Pregnancy in premature ovarian failure after therapy using Chinese herbal medicine. Chang Gung Medical Journal. 26(6):449-52, 2003 Jun.

[5] Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Journal of Chinese Medicine), 1984; 7:35.

[6] Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi (Journal of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine), 1984; 8:496.

[7] Hu Nan Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Hunan Journal of Chinese Medicine), 1997; 3:57.

[8] Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi (Journal of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine), 1982; 1:19.

[9] Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Yao Dian (Chinese Herbal Pharmacopoeia by People's Republic of China), 1995; 348.

[10] Zhong Yi Yao Xue Bao (Report of Chinese Medicine and Herbology), 1993; 6:34.

[11] Liao Ning Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Liaoning Journal of Chinese Medicine), 1982; 3:40.

[12] Zhong Yao Yao Li Du Li Yu Lin Chuang (Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Applications of Chinese Herbs), 1990; 6(3):28.

[13] Chang Yong Zhong Yao Cheng Fen Yu Yao Li Shou Ce (A Handbook of the Composition and Pharmacology of Common Chinese Drugs), 1994; 1563:1564.