Sacroiliac Joint Pain - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Sacroiliac Joint Pain · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Lower Back

Pattern Overview

Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a common pattern in sacroiliac joint pain, characterized by traumatic SI joint pain, sharp fixed pain, and aggravation at night. The core pathogenesis is trauma causing Qi stagnation and Blood stasis in the sacroiliac region, leading to ligament injury, pain, and impaired healing.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Sharp, stabbing pain in the sacroiliac region, fixed location, worse at night |

| Associated Symptoms | Tenderness on palpation, limited movement, difficulty turning over |

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

| Pathogenesis | Trauma causing Qi stagnation and Blood stasis in the sacroiliac collaterals |

| Etiology | SI joint sprain, fall, childbirth injury, chronic strain |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 | Regulates Kidney Qi, invigorates blood and relieves pain |

| BL32 Ciliao | In the second sacral foramen | Treats lower back and sacral pain |

| DU3 Yaoyangguan | On the midline, between L4 and L5 spinous processes | Warms Yang and unblocks collaterals, invigorates blood and relieves pain |

| Ashi points | Tender spots around the sacroiliac region | Local blood invigoration and pain relief |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; cupping or pricking at Ashi points may be used to enhance blood stasis resolution.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Fu Yuan Huo Xue Tang (复元活血汤)

Composition:

Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Angelica (Dang Gui), Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Pangolin Scales (Chuan Shan Jia), Trichosanthes Root (Tian Hua Fen), Rhubarb (Da Huang), Licorice (Gan Cao)

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

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |

| Swelling | Add Dan Shen, Chi Shao to improve microcirculation |

| Cold-Dampness | Add Fu Zi, Xi Xin to warm meridians and disperse cold |

Western Mechanism Reference

Traumatic SI joint pain with ligament injury, local hematoma, and inflammatory response. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to sacroiliac joint sprain or ligament injury, where soft tissue damage and localized bleeding cause inflammation and pain.

References

  1. Textbook Standard.

  2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.

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