Post-Herpetic Neuralgia - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Post-Herpetic Neuralgia · 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 chronic pattern in post-herpetic neuralgia, characterized by chronic post-herpetic pain, dull ache, weakness, and fatigue. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood to nourish the affected nerves, leading to chronic pain, impaired nerve repair, and persistent symptoms.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Dull aching pain, weakness, fatigue, poor recovery |

| Associated Symptoms | Pale complexion, shortness of breath, poor sleep, dizziness |

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

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

| Etiology | Chronic illness, poor nutrition, prolonged nerve damage, elderly patients |

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 |

| BL17 Geshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T7 | Back-Shu point of the Blood; nourishes Blood |

| Ashi points | Tender spots in the affected dermatome | Local blood invigoration and pain relief |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method; moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Geshu 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 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

Chronic post-herpetic pain with reduced nerve regeneration capacity, impaired immune function, and tissue malnutrition. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to chronic post-herpetic neuralgia in elderly or debilitated patients, where reduced nerve regeneration and impaired immune function contribute to persistent pain.

References

  1. Textbook Standard.

  2. WHO. (2023). Post-herpetic neuralgia fact sheet. World Health Organization.

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