Cervical Spondylosis - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Cervical Spondylosis · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Neck

Pattern Overview

Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a common pattern in chronic cervical spondylosis, characterized by chronic degeneration with disc changes, sharp fixed pain, and aggravation at night. The core pathogenesis is stagnation of Qi and Blood in the neck collaterals, leading to chronic degeneration, disc changes, and nerve root irritation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Sharp, stabbing neck pain, fixed location, worse at night |

| Associated Symptoms | Numbness and tingling in the upper limbs, limited movement |

| Tongue and Pulse | Purple-dark tongue with petechiae, thin white coating, hesitant pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Qi stagnation and Blood stasis obstructing the neck collaterals |

| Etiology | Chronic poor posture, prolonged desk work, trauma |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| GB20 Fengchi | Depression below the occipital bone | Disperses Wind; treats neck pain |

| BL10 Tianzhu | 1.3 cun lateral to GB20, in the neck | Unblocks the Bladder meridian; treats neck pain |

| GB21 Jianjing | Midpoint of the shoulder, on the trapezius muscle | Relaxes the shoulder and neck muscles |

| Ashi points | Tender spots in the neck and shoulders | Local blood invigoration and pain relief |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; cupping or pricking at Ashi points may be used to enhance blood stasis resolution.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (桃红四物汤)

Composition:

Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Rehmannia (Sheng Di)

Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, nourishes blood, and relieves pain.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |

| Numbness | Add Ji Xue Teng, Dan Shen to improve circulation |

| Weakness | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |

Western Mechanism Reference

Chronic degeneration with disc changes, local microcirculatory disturbance, and nerve root irritation. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to cervical spondylosis with significant degenerative changes, where chronic inflammation and impaired circulation contribute to nerve root irritation.

References

  1. Textbook Standard.

  2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.

Explore More

  • Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for neck pain relief.

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