Hip Pain - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Hip Pain · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Hip

Pattern Overview

Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a common pattern in hip pain, characterized by traumatic bursitis, sharp fixed pain, and aggravation at night. The core pathogenesis is trauma causing Qi stagnation and Blood stasis in the hip collaterals, leading to bursal inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Sharp, stabbing pain in the hip, fixed location, worse at night |

| Associated Symptoms | Swelling, tenderness, limited hip movement, limping |

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

| Pathogenesis | Trauma causing Qi stagnation and Blood stasis in the hip collaterals |

| Etiology | Hip injury, fall, sports trauma, overuse |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| GB30 Huantiao | Midpoint between sacral hiatus and greater trochanter of femur | Master point for hip pain; on the Gallbladder meridian |

| BL54 Zhibian | 3 cun lateral to the sacral hiatus | Treats hip and lower back pain |

| LR3 Taichong | Dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals | Soothes Liver Qi and regulates Qi flow |

| Ashi points | Tender spots around the hip | 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: Fu Yuan Huo Xue Tang (复元活血汤)

Composition:

Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Angelica (Dang Gui), Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Pangolin Scales (Chuan Shan Jia), Trichosanthes Root (Tian Hua Fen), Rhubarb (Da Huang), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, promotes Qi flow, and reduces swelling.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

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

| Swelling | Add Dan Shen, Chi Shao to improve microcirculation |

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

Western Mechanism Reference

Traumatic bursitis with local hematoma, microcirculatory disturbance, and inflammatory response. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to traumatic hip bursitis, where soft tissue injury and localized bleeding cause inflammation and pain.

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 hip pain relief.

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