Lumbar pain due to kidney deficiency refers to the condition of pain on one or both sides of the waist caused by insufficient kidney qi. It can occur in both men and women and usually has a slow onset, with a lingering and dull pain. Many people who experience lower back pain often choose massage as a method of relief. So, is massage effective for lumbar pain due to kidney deficiency?
Is Massage Effective for Lumbar Pain due to Kidney Deficiency?
Yes, it is.
Through massage of relevant acupoints or areas, it can help nourish the kidneys, strengthen essence, invigorate the waist and knees, and promote the circulation of meridians, thereby effectively relieving the symptoms of lumbar pain due to kidney deficiency.
Causes and Pathogenesis of Lumbar Pain due to Kidney Deficiency
Long-term illness or excessive sexual activity can lead to a depletion of kidney qi and essence, resulting in kidney deficiency of the Shaoyin meridian. As the waist is the residence of the kidneys and is responsible for the major joints of the body, insufficient kidney qi leads to a decline in the Mingmen fire, causing the waist and spine to be weak. The liver governs the tendons, and the kidneys govern the bones. Kidney deficiency affects the nourishment of the liver, leading to liver deficiency. When the liver is deficient, it cannot nourish the tendons, causing them to be stiff and unable to move, resulting in lumbar pain.
Basic Massage Techniques for Lumbar Pain due to Kidney Deficiency
Treatment principles: Tonify the liver and kidneys, promote the circulation of meridians.
Acupoints: Shenshu, Mingmen, Dachangshu, Baliao, Zhongwan, Qihai, Taixi, Yongquan points.
Massage techniques:
1. The patient lies prone, and the masseur uses a four-finger pushing technique on the Shenshu, Mingmen, Dachangshu, and Baliao points for about 3 minutes. Then, the Shenshu point is kneaded until a sensation of soreness and distention is felt.
2. The patient lies supine, and the masseur uses rubbing techniques on the Zhongwan and Qihai points for about 5 minutes. Then, the Taixi and Yongquan points are kneaded.
3. The patient sits, and the masseur uses friction techniques on the Shenshu, Mingmen, Dachangshu, and Baliao points, rubbing horizontally from top to bottom until a sensation of heat penetration is achieved.
Differentiation and Modification of Massage Techniques for Lumbar Pain due to Kidney Deficiency
Deficiency of Kidney Yang
Symptoms: Sore and weak waist and knees, weak and powerless lower limbs, cold limbs, dizziness, tinnitus, fatigue, insomnia, forgetfulness, lower abdominal stiffness, frequent urination at night; pale tongue with thin coating, thin and deep pulse.
Treatment principles: Warm yang and tonify the kidneys.
Massage techniques: Prolong the rubbing time on the waist and knead the Mingmen and Yaoyangguan points for 1 minute each.
Deficiency of Kidney Yin
Symptoms: Dull and aching pain in the waist, thin and weak body, restlessness and heat in the five hearts, loss of appetite, dry mouth and tongue, flushed cheeks and cold limbs, short and yellow urine; red tongue with little coating, thin and rapid pulse.
Treatment principles: Nourish yin and clear heat.
Massage techniques: Increase the rubbing of the Yongquan point, with a focus on heat penetration; knead the Sanyinjiao and Taixi points for 1 minute each.
Diagnosis of Lumbar Pain due to Kidney Deficiency
1. Dull and lingering pain in the waist, worsened by slight exertion.
2. Accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, pale complexion, unsteady hands and feet, and in severe cases, frequent nocturia and seminal emissions or vaginal discharge.
3. If necessary, perform abdominal ultrasound and gynecological examination.
Daily Care for Lumbar Pain due to Kidney Deficiency
1. Maintain a regular lifestyle and avoid consuming cold, acidic, and spicy foods.
2. Control sexual activity.
3. Pay attention to keeping the waist warm, and it is best to sleep on a firm mattress.
