Lumbar Disc Herniation - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Lumbar Disc Herniation · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Lower Back

Pattern Overview

Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is the core pattern during the acute phase of lumbar disc herniation, characterized by sharp stabbing pain in the lower back, radiating leg pain, limited movement, and aggravation with coughing or straining. The core pathogenesis is herniated disc material compressing the meridians, causing Qi stagnation, Blood stasis, nerve root compression, and severe pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Sharp stabbing pain in the lower back, radiating leg pain, limited movement |

| Associated Symptoms | Worse at night, fixed location, aggravation with coughing or straining |

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

| Pathogenesis | Herniated disc compressing the meridians, Qi stagnation and Blood stasis obstructing the collaterals |

| Etiology | Acute lumbar sprain, sudden heavy lifting, disc herniation acute onset, trauma |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 | Regulates Kidney Qi, invigorates blood and relieves pain |

| BL25 Dachangshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L4 | Unblocks the lower lumbar and sacral area, treats radiating leg pain |

| DU3 Yaoyangguan | On the midline, between L4 and L5 spinous processes | Warms Yang and unblocks collaterals, invigorates blood and relieves pain |

| Ashi points | Tender spots around the lumbar area and affected nerve distribution | Local blood invigoration and pain relief |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; during the acute phase, use light technique. May combine with cupping to enhance blood stasis resolution. Rest in bed is recommended.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang (身痛逐瘀汤)

Composition:

Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Trogopterus Dung (Wu Ling Zhi), Myrrh (Mo Yao), Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Achyranthes (Niu Xi), Earthworm (Di Long), Gentiana (Qin Jiao), Notopterygium (Qiang Huo), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, unblocks collaterals, and relieves pain.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Radiating leg pain | Add Du Huo, Sang Ji Sheng, Mu Gua to disperse Wind and unblock collaterals |

| Numbness | Add Ji Xue Teng, Wu Shao She to unblock collaterals and invigorate blood |

| Severe pain | Add Ru Xiang, Yan Hu Suo to invigorate blood and relieve pain |

| Cold-Dampness | Add Fu Zi, Xi Xin to warm the meridians and disperse Cold |

| Qi deficiency | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi and invigorate blood |

Western Mechanism Reference

Nerve root compression with local inflammation, nerve root edema, and herniated disc material pressing on the nerve root. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to acute lumbar disc herniation, where herniated disc material causes nerve root compression, local inflammation, and edema.

References

  1. Database + Textbook.

  2. Chen, L., et al. (2014). TCM for lumbar disc herniation. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 14, 121.

  3. WHO. (2023). Low back pain and disc disorders. World Health Organization.

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