Achilles Tendinitis - Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for Achilles tendinitis
Achilles Tendinitis · Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Ankle
Pattern Overview
Blood Stasis is a common pattern in chronic Achilles tendinitis,
characterized by sharp, fixed pain that worsens at night, often with
a history of overuse or repeated microtrauma. The core pathogenesis is
stagnation of blood in the tendon collateral vessels, blocking the
free flow of Qi and Blood, leading to pain and fibrosis.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
fixed location, worse at night |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
or repetitive strain, possible swelling |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, hesitant or choppy pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
the tendon |
| Etiology |
|---|
|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL60 Kunlun |
|---|
tendon | Unblocks the Bladder meridian; treats ankle pain |
| BL57 Chengjin |
|---|
belly | Relieves calf and Achilles tension |
| KI3 Taixi |
|---|
tendon | Tonifies Kidney Qi and promotes blood circulation |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the tendon |
|---|
invigoration and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; may
combine with cupping at Ashi points 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)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, nourishes blood, and
relieves pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to enhance pain relief |
|---|
| Swelling | Add Dan Shen, Ji Xue Teng to improve microcirculation |
|---|
| Chronic fibrosis | Add San Leng, E Zhu to break up stasis |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic microtrauma with fibrosis, local microcirculation disturbance,
and platelet aggregation. Blood Stasis pattern corresponds to
tendinopathy with impaired healing and excessive fibrous tissue
formation, often seen in chronic overuse injuries.
References
1. Acupuncture and Moxibustion Textbook.
2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for tendon pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM tendon health.
Related TCM Patterns for Achilles Tendinitis
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.