Hypothyroidism - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Hypothyroidism · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

Qi-Blood Deficiency is a common pattern in hypothyroidism, characterized by thyroid hormone deficiency anemia, fatigue, pale complexion, dizziness, and palpitations. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood failing to nourish the body, leading to anemia, fatigue, and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Fatigue, pale complexion, dizziness, palpitations |

| Associated Symptoms | Shortness of breath, poor sleep, cold limbs, dry skin |

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

| Pathogenesis | Qi-Blood deficiency failing to nourish the body |

| Etiology | Chronic illness, poor nutrition, blood loss, thyroid dysfunction |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus | Tonifies Qi and strengthens the body |

| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella | Nourishes Blood and invigorates circulation |

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

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

| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 | Back-Shu point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |

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

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Ba Zhen Tang (八珍汤) + Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (补中益气汤)

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), Astragalus (Huang Qi)

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

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe anemia | Add Shu Di, Dang Gui to nourish Blood |

| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |

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

| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |

Western Mechanism Reference

Thyroid hormone deficiency reducing erythropoietin production, causing normocytic normochromic anemia and decreased oxygen-carrying capacity. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to hypothyroidism with anemia, where reduced thyroid hormone levels decrease erythropoietin production and contribute to anemia and fatigue.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Fatigue with Qi-Blood Deficiency.

  2. DB-XJB: Gui Pi Tang.

  3. WHO. (2023). Thyroid disorders. World Health Organization.

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