Rosacea - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Rosacea · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Face/Skin

Pattern Overview

Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a chronic pattern in rosacea, characterized by fibrotic tissue hyperplasia in the rhinophyma stage, VEGF elevation, vascular proliferation, and collagen deposition. The core pathogenesis is Qi stagnation and Blood stasis in the facial collaterals, leading to vascular proliferation, fibrosis, and nasal deformity.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Rhinophyma (enlarged nose), thickened skin, fibrosis, vascular proliferation |

| Associated Symptoms | Dark complexion, purple-dark lips, fixed lesions, poor circulation |

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

| Pathogenesis | Qi stagnation and Blood stasis causing fibrosis and vascular proliferation |

| Etiology | Chronic rosacea, inadequate treatment, vascular proliferation, fibrosis |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

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

| 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 |

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

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

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may combine with local acupuncture on the nose area and cupping.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (桃红四物汤) + Chai Hu Shu Gan San (柴胡疏肝散)

Composition:

Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Ke), Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, promotes Qi flow, and reduces fibrosis.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Rhinophyma | Add San Leng, E Zhu to break up stasis |

| Fibrosis | Add Dan Shen, Ji Xue Teng to improve microcirculation |

| Vascular proliferation | Add Dan Shen, Chi Shao to cool blood and inhibit proliferation |

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

Western Mechanism Reference

Fibrotic tissue hyperplasia in rhinophyma stage, with VEGF elevation causing vascular proliferation and collagen deposition. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to rhinophyma stage rosacea, where VEGF elevation and vascular proliferation contribute to fibrosis and nasal deformity.

References

  1. Dermatology of TCM - Rosacea with Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis.

  2. Xiong Jibai: Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis uses Tao Hong Si Wu Tang.

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

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