Psoriasis - Blood-Stasis Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Psoriasis · Blood-Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Skin

Pattern Overview

Blood-Stasis is a common pattern in plaque-type psoriasis, characterized by microcirculatory disturbance, thickened plaques, dark red color, slow resolution, and chronic lesions. The core pathogenesis is Blood stasis in the skin collaterals, leading to microcirculatory disturbance, platelet aggregation, and chronic plaque formation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Thickened plaques, dark red color, slow resolution, chronic lesions |

| Associated Symptoms | Dark complexion, purple-dark lips, fixed pain, palpable induration |

| Tongue and Pulse | Purple-dark tongue with petechiae, hesitant pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Blood stasis in the skin collaterals |

| Etiology | Prolonged psoriasis, inadequate treatment, chronic inflammation, microcirculatory disturbance |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella | Invigorates blood and resolves stasis |

| Geshu (BL17) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T7 | Back-Shu point of the Blood; invigorates Blood and resolves stasis |

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

| Hegu (LI4) | Dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpals | Regulates Qi and invigorates blood |

| Taichong (LR3) | Dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals | Soothes Liver-Qi and invigorates blood |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may combine with cupping to enhance blood stasis resolution.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (桃红四物汤) or Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (血府逐瘀汤)

Composition:

Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Rehmannia (Sheng Di), Salvia (Dan Shen), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, and improves microcirculation.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Thickened plaques | Add San Leng, E Zhu to break up stasis |

| Dark red color | Add Dan Shen, Chi Shao to cool blood and invigorate circulation |

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

| Induration | Add Xia Ku Cao, Zhe Bei Mu to soften and resolve masses |

Western Mechanism Reference

Plaque-type psoriasis with microcirculatory disturbance, nailfold microcirculation abnormalities, increased platelet aggregation, and elevated blood viscosity. Blood-Stasis corresponds to plaque-type psoriasis, where microcirculatory disturbance and increased blood viscosity contribute to chronic plaque formation and slow resolution.

References

  1. Dermatology of TCM - Psoriasis with Blood-Stasis.

  2. Xiong Jibai: Blood-Stasis uses Tao Hong Si Wu Tang.

  3. WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.

Explore More

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

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