Alopecia Areata - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for alopecia areata with
Alopecia Areata · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Skin
Pattern Overview
Qi-Blood Deficiency is a chronic pattern in alopecia areata,
characterized by **telogen effluvium or recovery phase, shortened hair
growth cycle, premature entry into telogen, fatigue, and pale
complexion. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood
failing to nourish the hair follicles**, leading to shortened hair
growth cycle and premature hair loss.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
pale complexion |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
dizziness, poor sleep, cold limbs |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
follicles |
| Etiology |
|---|
overwork, blood loss |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and
Blood |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen-Qi |
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
strengthens the body |
| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella |
|---|
Nourishes Blood and promotes hair growth |
| Baihui (GV20) |
|---|
anterior hairline | Lifts Qi and promotes hair growth |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Qihai to warm and tonify Qi
and Blood.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ba Zhen Tang (八珍汤) or Shi Quan Da Bu Tang
(十全大补汤)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria
(Fu Ling), Angelica (Dang Gui), White Peony (Bai Shao), Chuanxiong
(Chuan Xiong), Rehmannia (Shu Di), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Supplements Qi and Blood, strengthens the Spleen and
Stomach.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Telogen effluvium | Add Dang Gui, Shu Di to nourish Blood |
|---|
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Poor sleep | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |
|---|
| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Telogen effluvium or recovery phase with shortened hair growth cycle,
and premature entry into telogen phase. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds
to telogen effluvium, where inadequate nutrient supply to the hair
follicles contributes to premature entry into the telogen phase and hair
loss.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Alopecia Areata with Qi-Blood Deficiency.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Qi-Blood Deficiency → Cross-layer
Nourishment.
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.
Related TCM Patterns for Alopecia Areata
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.