Deficiency of the Kidney-Essence

Insidious onset of protracted lower back pain with soreness, accompanied by lassitude and weakness of the loins and knees, which worsens with fatigue and is alleviated by bed rest, accompanied by poor hearing, dizziness, a poor memory and concentration, loose teeth and generalised tiredness.  If the deficiency is of Kidney-Yang, there is also a cold sensation in the lower back and abdomen, a pale complexion, low potency or impotency, nycturia, cold limbs, an aversion to cold, a pale tongue with tooth marks and a wet coating and a deep and thready or deep and slow pulse.  If the deficiency is of Kidney-Yin, there is also irritability, insomnia, a dry mouth and throat, a flushed face, a feverish sensation in the chest, palms and soles of the feet, constipation, a red tongue with a scanty or peeled coating and a weak or thready and rapid pulse.