Updated: October 11, 2025
Frailty is a clinical condition marked by a decline in physical strength, endurance, and overall physiological function, making individuals more vulnerable to stressors like illness, injury, or surgery. Common signs include muscle weakness, unintentional weight loss, slow walking speed, low physical activity, and fatigue.
This condition affects approximately 10% of Americans aged 65 and older, rising to 25% among those 85 and up. It increases the risk of infections, hospital stays, falls, and loss of independence. While most common in older adults, it can also affect younger people with chronic illness or prolonged inactivity.
Yang Deficiency
Spleen and Kidney Deficiency
Qi Deficiency
Blood Deficiency
Kampo Perspectives for Frailty
Yang Deficiency
Yang energy represents warmth, metabolism, and drive. When it’s low, people often feel cold, sluggish, and unmotivated.
Common symptoms include cold hands and feet, frequent urination, lower back pain, slow digestion, and mild depression. It’s more common in older adults, especially in colder seasons.
- Western medicine connection – Yang deficiency can resemble hypothyroidism, age-related hormonal decline, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It also overlaps with symptoms of chronic kidney disease and a low basal metabolic rate, especially in the elderly.
- Tea Care – Cinnamon Ginger Tea warms the body and boosts circulation, helping to revive Yang energy.*
Spleen and Kidney Deficiency
This combined deficiency reflects weakness in both digestive (Spleen) and foundational (Kidney) energy systems.
It’s common in older adults and linked to frailty, muscle loss, poor appetite, fatigue, cold sensitivity, and cognitive decline. Kidney deficiency also relates to aging, bone health, and reproductive function in Kampo.
- Western medicine connection – This pattern aligns with age-related muscle loss, poor nutrient absorption, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline such as early dementia. It reflects the Western concept of declining physiological reserves with aging.
- Tea Care – Ginseng and Rehmannia Tea supports both digestive and kidney function, often used to strengthen the body’s core vitality in aging or frail patients.*
Qi Deficiency
Qi (vital energy) is seen as the driving force behind all bodily functions in Kampo. Qi deficiency means there isn’t enough of this energy, leading to low vitality.
Common signs include chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, spontaneous sweating, and frequent colds. It may also reduce appetite and affect mental focus.
- Western medicine connection – Qi deficiency shares similarities with conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, anemia, or general weakness after illness. It can also resemble age-related sarcopenia (loss of muscle and strength) or post-surgical fatigue, especially in older adults.
- Tea Care – Astragalus Root Tea supports energy levels and immune function. Commonly used as a base herb in tonics to strengthen Qi.*
Blood Deficiency
In Kampo, blood deficiency doesn’t always mean low hemoglobin. Instead, it refers to a lack of internal nourishment that affects tissues and neurological balance.
Common symptoms include dizziness, pale complexion, dry skin or hair, brittle nails, insomnia, and emotional signs like anxiety or forgetfulness.
- Western medicine connection – Blood deficiency in Kampo is similar to iron-deficiency anemia, malnutrition, menopause, or poor circulation. It goes beyond low hemoglobin, reflecting the role of blood in nourishing the body, supporting mental clarity, and maintaining balance.
- Tea Care – Jujube and Goji Berry Tea is a gentle, nourishing blend that helps replenish blood and calm the nervous system, often used for fatigue and insomnia.*
Kampo Therapy Q&A
Q: Are there Kampo formulas for frailty?
Yes. Kampo uses personalized herbal formulas, along with diet and lifestyle support, to strengthen Qi, nourish blood, warm Yang, and support digestion and kidney function. Herbs are chosen based on each person’s symptoms and pattern. Early care helps maintain strength and prevent further decline.*
Notice: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Instead of self-diagnosing, we encourage you to consult a qualified healthcare provider for proper guidance and care.
