Golfer's Elbow - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Golfer’s Elbow · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Arm

Pattern Overview

Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a common pattern in golfer’s elbow, characterized by overuse injury, sharp fixed pain, and aggravation at night. The core pathogenesis is stagnation of Qi and Blood in the elbow collaterals from repetitive overuse, leading to tendon microtearing, inflammation, and persistent pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Sharp, stabbing pain on the medial elbow, fixed location, worse at night |

| Associated Symptoms | Tenderness on palpation, weakness in grip, limited wrist flexion |

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

| Pathogenesis | Qi stagnation and Blood stasis from overuse obstructing the elbow collaterals |

| Etiology | Repetitive wrist flexion, improper technique, sudden increase in activity |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| LI11 Quchi | Lateral end of the elbow crease | He-Sea point of Large Intestine meridian; regulates Qi and Blood |

| LI10 Shousanli | 2 cun below LI11, on the forearm | Supports LI11; treats elbow pain |

| Ashi points | Tender spots on the medial elbow | 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 |

| Weak grip | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |

| Chronic condition | Add Dan Shen, Ji Xue Teng to improve microcirculation |

Western Mechanism Reference

Overuse injury with microtearing, local inflammation, and microcirculatory disturbance. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to golfer’s elbow from repetitive overuse, where chronic microtrauma and inflammation lead to tendon degeneration.

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 elbow pain relief.

  • Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM tendon health.