Osteomalacia

How Chinese medicine differentiates osteomalacia (softening of the bones) into the two patterns described for it, and the points for each. Supportive reading only. Distinct from this site's Osteoporosis and Bone Pain pages. Acupuncture only — no herbs.

This page is educational, for practitioners and students — it is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace a proper in-person assessment. Osteomalacia is a medical condition, usually vitamin D-related, that needs blood tests, imaging and medical treatment. Acupuncture is at most a supportive adjunct; do not use it in place of that care.

General Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture points traditionally used for osteomalacia — 3 key points, used across the patterns below rather than tied to just one.

Point	Key action
ST-36	Benefits Stomach and Spleen. Tonifies Qi and Blood. Tonifies the Original Qi.
SP-6	Strengthens the Spleen. Resolves Dampness. Promotes the function of the Liver and the smooth flow of Liver-Qi.
KI-3	Tonifies the Kidneys (both Yin and Yang). Strengthens the Kidney’s receiving of Qi. Calms the Mind.

The Two Patterns

↑ reinforcing ↓ reducing ⊥ even method.

1. Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency

Clinical manifestations: Dull, aching bone pain worse with fatigue; lower-back soreness; weak knees; dizziness; blurred vision; hair thinning; premature graying; loose teeth; poor memory.

Tongue: Pale, thin, fine cracks, scanty or thin white coat, slightly dry. Pulse: Deep, fine, weak; both rear positions deep and weak.

Treatment principle: Nourishes Liver Blood and Kidney Essence to rebuild marrow and strengthen the bones.

BL-23 ↑ BL-18 ↑ KI-3 ↑ SP-6 ↑ ST-36 ↑

Note: moxa is appropriate if there are no dryness or heat signs. This site's decks have a Kidney-Essence-deficiency slide and a Liver-Blood-deficiency slide but none combining the two — no pattern link is given here.

2. Qi and Blood Stagnation

Clinical manifestations: Fixed, stabbing bone pain; worse with pressure; local tenderness over the affected bones; history of sedentary habits or injury; sensitivity to emotional stress.

Tongue: Dark purple, stasis spots, distended sublingual veins, thin white coat. Pulse: Wiry and choppy.

Treatment principle: Invigorates circulation and dissolves stasis to restore nutrient delivery to the bones.

SP-10 ↓ L.I.-4 ↓

Note: no moxa. No combined Qi-and-Blood-stagnation slide exists on this site's decks — no pattern link is given here.

Related conditions

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