Editor’s Note: This post references AcuHerb, which is no longer available. The clinical concepts discussed remain applicable to current practice.

I have three herbal formulas from the AcuHerb family that I prescribe almost daily in my private practice for patients that are beginning their journey into, what some call, the “Golden Years.” This can be a tough transition for many individuals, and I have found this age group to be extremely open to seeing an acupuncturist. These three formulas can be called “sisters” because they are all from the same family of herbs. You know how “sisters” are…they may be from the same family, but they all have different personalities! By getting to know them well, you will be better able to treat your patients who are entering this new stage of life. Liver/Kidney Yin Deficiency is the diagnosis that could also be considered the “family name” for these formulas. It is typical for patients with this diagnosis to have a graph that shows some type of imbalance in the Liver and/or Kidney channels—which could show up as a split, a deficiency or even an excess. It is your job, as the practitioner, to know the difference between the personalities of each of the three formulas listed below—so that your patient gets amazing results. Let’s talk about each personality…

Personality #1:

Diagnosis: Liver/Kidney Yin Deficiency Symptoms:

• Night sweats or hot flashes
• Some irritability
• Females:  vaginal dryness
• Males:  premature ejaculation
• Ringing in the ears
• Constipation

Formula: 403 KI—Liu Wei Di Huang Pian Note: I have a hard time keeping this formula on the shelf because I prescribe it all the time! 403 KI—Liu Wei Di Huang Pian is the perfect constitutional formula for age-related symptoms. As the yin fluids in the body begin to diminish during the natural aging process, deficiency heat naturally occurs. Each of the symptoms listed above are related to yin deficiency heat. I have found this to be an excellent daily supplement in this stage of life, to nourish the yin fluids and diminish many uncomfortable symptoms of aging.

Personality #2:

Symptoms: Same symptoms as Liver/Kidney Yin Deficiency, from personality number 1 listed above, PLUS…

• More SEVERE hot flashes
• More SEVERE night sweats
• Insomnia
• Excessive thirst

Diagnosis: Liver/Kidney Yin Deficiency with excess heat Formula: 404 KI—Zhi Bai Di Huang Pian Note: This is a great formula for someone in MENOPAUSE!  It deals with the Liver/Kidney Yin Deficiency, but it has “special herbs” added to the base formula that clear heat.

Personality #3:

Symptoms: Same symptoms as Liver/Kidney Yin Deficiency, from personality number 1 listed above, PLUS…

• Dry EYES
• Itching EYES
• Burning EYES
• Floaters in the VISION

Diagnosis: Liver/Kidney Yin Deficiency with EYE problems Formula: 402 KI—Qi Ju Di Huang Pian NOTE: This formula has “special herbs” added to the base formula which will clear heat and moisten the eyes. By getting to know the different personalities of these three AcuHerb products, you will be able to CONFIDENTLY prescribe the correct herbal formula for your patients. I have found these formulas to be must-haves in my clinic. Remember, one bottle lasts for 10 days. If you have 10 patients with Liver Kidney Yin Deficiency who are taking 403 KI—Liu Wei Di Huang Pian on a daily basis—you will need to make sure you have 30 bottles on your shelf just to take care of their needs. Don’t forget about those who are having extreme hot flashes and insomnia or dry eyes. You will need to have 404 KI—Zhi Bai Di Huang Pian and 402 KI—Qi Ju Di Huang Pian on hand for them. The three sisters are all available from our AcuHerb product line and tightly integrated into the AcuGraph system for ease in prescription and tracking. Need more info? Click here. Have a great week, everyone. Kimberly Thompson, L.Ac. Acupuncture Research Analyst Miridia Technology Inc.

---

Related Reading

• Constipation in the Elderly
• Monday Morning Blues
• From Hemorrhoids to Depression…