Theory of “kidneys storing essence and dominating bones” and male osteoporosis

doi:10.16138/j.1673-6087.2025.01.20

Abstract

Abstract:

Male osteoporosis (MOP) is often not taken seriously by the public, while MOP may cause more severe consequence compared with female osteoporosis. Based on the theory of “kidney storing the essence and dominating the bones” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it was believed that the concurrence of MOP is related to kidney’s physiological function in TCM. It is proposed that “kidney essence deficiency, marrow loss and bone atrophy” is the core pathogenesis of MOP, which is related to the pathogenesis of various osteoporosis in modern medicine. In terms of treatment, both ancient and modern TCM doctors have mostly adopted the methods of tonifying kidney, strengthening bone and replenishing the essence and nourishing the marrow to effectively prevent and treat osteoporosis.

Key words: The kidney stores the essence, The kidney controls the bones, Male osteoporosis, Traditional Chinese medicine theory, Epidemiology

CLC Number:

SHEN Shizhong, SUI Liang, CHEN Kang, SHI Xiao, SHI Dan. Theory of “kidneys storing essence and dominating bones” and male osteoporosis[J]. Journal of Internal Medicine Concepts & Practice, 2025, 20(01): 94-100.

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