Cervical Spondylosis - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Cervical Spondylosis · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Neck

Pattern Overview

Qi-Blood Deficiency is a chronic weakness pattern in cervical spondylosis, characterized by chronic weakness with poor blood supply, dull pain, fatigue, and dizziness. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood to nourish the cervical spine and brain, leading to chronic pain, dizziness, and fatigue.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Dull neck pain, fatigue, dizziness, poor concentration |

| Associated Symptoms | Pale complexion, shortness of breath, palpitations, poor sleep |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale tongue with thin white coating, thready and weak pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Qi-Blood deficiency failing to nourish the cervical spine and brain |

| Etiology | Chronic illness, overwork, poor nutrition |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| ST36 Zusanli | 3 cun below the patella, 1 finger-width lateral to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and Blood |

| SP6 Sanyinjiao | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Nourishes Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |

| GB20 Fengchi | Depression below the occipital bone | Clears the head and treats neck pain |

| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 | Tonifies Kidney Qi and Essence |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method; moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Shenshu to warm and tonify Qi and Blood.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Ba Zhen Tang (八珍汤)

Composition:

Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice (Gan Cao), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), White Peony (Bai Shao), Rehmannia (Shu Di)

Action: Supplements Qi and Blood, strengthens the Spleen and Stomach.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |

| Poor sleep | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |

| Dizziness | Add Tian Ma, Gou Teng to calm Liver Wind |

Western Mechanism Reference

Chronic weakness with poor blood supply, reduced cerebral perfusion, and impaired tissue nourishment. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to cervical spondylosis with chronic fatigue and cognitive symptoms, where inadequate blood supply to the brain contributes to dizziness and poor concentration.

References

  1. Textbook Standard.

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

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