PMS - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

PMS · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Pelvis

Pattern Overview

Qi-Blood Deficiency is a common pattern in PMS, characterized by luteal phase insufficiency, fatigue, pale complexion, dizziness, poor sleep, and anemia. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood failing to nourish the body, leading to luteal phase insufficiency, low progesterone levels, and impaired function.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Fatigue, pale complexion, dizziness, poor sleep |

| Associated Symptoms | Shortness of breath, palpitations, poor appetite, weak voice |

| 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, overwork, postpartum weakness |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

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

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

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

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

| Baihui (GV20) | On the midline of the head, 5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline | Lifts Qi and treats fatigue and dizziness |

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

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Gui Pi Tang (归脾汤) or Ba Zhen Tang (八珍汤)

Composition:

Ginseng (Ren Shen), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Angelica (Dang Gui), White Peony (Bai Shao), Sour Jujube Seed (Suan Zao Ren), Longan (Long Yan Rou), Licorice (Gan Cao)

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

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |

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

| Dizziness | Add Tian Ma, Gou Qi to nourish the Liver and brighten the eyes |

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

Western Mechanism Reference

Luteal phase insufficiency with low progesterone levels, anemia, malnutrition, and functional impairment. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to PMS with fatigue and anemia, where reduced tissue perfusion and low progesterone levels contribute to mood changes and physical symptoms.

References

  1. Gynecology of TCM - PMS with Qi-Blood Deficiency.

  2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Spleen-Qi Deficiency + Heart-Blood Deficiency.

  3. WHO. (2023). Women’s health. World Health Organization.

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  • Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for women’s health.

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