Vitiligo - Blood Stasis Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Vitiligo · 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 pattern in vitiligo, characterized by microcirculatory disturbance, reduced melanocyte nutrient supply, depigmentation with dark borders, and fixed lesions. The core pathogenesis is Blood stasis in the skin collaterals, causing reduced nutrient supply to melanocytes and impaired melanin synthesis.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Depigmentation with dark borders, fixed lesions, slow progression |

| Associated Symptoms | Dark complexion, purple-dark lips, dry skin, poor circulation |

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

| Pathogenesis | Blood stasis in the skin collaterals |

| Etiology | Chronic vitiligo, poor circulation, trauma, prolonged inflammation |

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 |

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

| Ashi points | Borders of depigmented patches | Local blood invigoration and melanocyte stimulation |

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

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (桃红四物汤)

Composition:

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

Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, and promotes melanocyte nutrition.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

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

| Fixed lesions | Add San Leng, E Zhu to break up stasis |

| Poor circulation | Add Ji Xue Teng, Dan Shen to improve microcirculation |

| Dry skin | Add Dang Gui, Bai Shao to nourish Blood |

Western Mechanism Reference

Microcirculatory disturbance causing reduced melanocyte nutrient supply, reduced capillary density in lesions, and abnormal hemorheology. Blood Stasis corresponds to vitiligo with microcirculatory disturbance, where reduced capillary density and abnormal hemorheology contribute to impaired melanocyte nutrition.

References

  1. Dermatology of TCM - Vitiligo 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.

  • Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM dermatology.