Peripheral Neuropathy - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Peripheral Neuropathy · 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 peripheral neuropathy, characterized by diabetic neuropathy, numbness, tingling, weakness, and poor recovery. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood to nourish the peripheral nerves, leading to nerve degeneration, impaired sensation, and weakness.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Numbness and tingling in hands and feet, weakness, poor recovery |

| Associated Symptoms | Pale complexion, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness |

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

| Pathogenesis | Qi-Blood deficiency failing to nourish the peripheral nerves |

| Etiology | Diabetes, chronic illness, poor nutrition, prolonged nerve compression |

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 |

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

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

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method; moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Pishu 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 numbness | Add Ji Xue Teng, Dan Shen to improve circulation |

| 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

Diabetic neuropathy with impaired nerve perfusion, reduced nerve regeneration capacity, and axonal degeneration. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to diabetic peripheral neuropathy, where impaired blood flow and reduced nutrient supply to the nerves contribute to axonal degeneration and sensory loss.

References

  1. Database + Textbook.

  2. Abbas, H., et al. (2010). Acupuncture for peripheral neuropathy. Journal of Peripheral Nervous System, 15(3), 215-222.

  3. WHO. (2023). Peripheral neuropathy fact sheet. World Health Organization.

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