Premature Aging
Overview
Premature aging refers to senile decline occurring before its time, characterized by early graying of hair, loose teeth and hair loss, sallow complexion, emaciated body, forgetfulness, tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, diminished libido, and mental fatigue. In TCM, the root lies in deficiency of kidney essence, and is related to spleen deficiency failing to generate qi and blood, liver depression with blood stasis, and internal retention of phlegm-turbidity. The disease is located in the kidney and involves the liver, spleen, and heart. It is often caused by congenital insufficiency, internal damage from overexertion, emotional dysregulation, and prolonged illness consuming the body. Clinically, one must differentiate mixed deficiency and excess, and the treatment principles are tonifying the kidney and filling essence, strengthening the spleen and boosting qi, and soothing the liver and invigorating blood.
Pattern differentiation (clinical patterns)
Kidney Essence Deficiency
Early graying of hair, loose teeth and hair loss, forgetfulness and tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, dizziness and blurred vision, listlessness, diminished libido, pale tongue with thin coating, and a deep, thin, weak pulse.
Tonify the kidney and fill essence; enrich the marrow and resist aging.
Spleen-Kidney Qi Deficiency
Mental fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath and reluctance to speak, poor appetite and loose stools, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, sallow complexion, spontaneous sweating and susceptibility to colds, pale and swollen tongue with teeth marks, and a weak pulse.
Strengthen the spleen and boost qi; tonify the kidney and consolidate the root.
Liver Depression with Blood Stasis
Dusky complexion, dry and scaly skin, emotional depression, distending pain in the chest and hypochondrium, forgetfulness and insomnia, irregular menstruation or amenorrhea, dark purple tongue with ecchymosis, and a wiry, choppy pulse.
Soothe the liver and relieve depression; invigorate blood and resolve stasis.
Connections
Daily care & prevention
Maintain regular daily routines, avoid staying up late, and sleep before zi hour to nourish kidney essence. Diet should include kidney-tonifying and spleen-strengthening foods such as black sesame, walnut, goji berry, Chinese yam, and mulberry, while avoiding raw, cold, greasy foods. Practice Baduanjin and Taijiquan moderately to regulate qi and blood. Keep emotions smooth and avoid worry, overthinking, and anger. Moderate sexual activity to preserve essence and spirit. Self-moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV4) and Zusanli (ST36) two to three times per week.
When to seek medical care
If progressive weight loss, persistent low-grade fever, marked anemia, lymphadenopathy, or rapid memory decline and personality changes occur, rule out tumors, tuberculosis, thyroid disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, and promptly refer to Western medicine. Sudden chest pain or stroke-like symptoms require immediate emergency care.