Deficiency of the Kidney qi

Clinical manifestations : Soreness and weakness of the lumbar region and knee joints, frequent urination with clear urine, dribbling of urine after urination or enuresis ; incontinence of urine in severe cases ; spermatorrhea and premature ejaculation in men ; clear, cold leucorrhoea in women ; a pale tongue with white coating and a thready, weak pulse.

Etiology and pathology : This syndrome may be due to weakness of the kidney qi in old age or insufficiency of the kidney qi in childhood. It may also result from overstrain and stress, or prolonged illnesses, both of which may lead to weakness of the kidney qi. As the kidney resides in the lumbar region, when the kidney qi is deficient, it may fail to nourish this area and give rise to soreness and weakness of the lumbar region and knee joints. Weakness of the kidney qi implies an inability of the bladder to control urination, hence frequent urination with clear urine, dribbling after urination, enuresis and incontinence of urine. Deficiency of the kidney qi weakens its function of storage, and thus spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, and clear, cold leucorrhoea result. A pale tongue with white coating and a thready, weak pulse are both signs of deficiency of the kidney qi.