Alopecia Areata - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for alopecia areata with
Alopecia Areata · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Skin
Pattern Overview
Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a pattern in alopecia areata,
characterized by **microcirculatory disturbance, scalp pain, patchy hair
loss, fixed lesions, and dark scalp color**. The core pathogenesis is
Qi stagnation and Blood stasis in the scalp collaterals, causing
reduced hair follicle blood supply and impaired hair growth.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
dark scalp color |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
pain, poor circulation |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
collaterals |
| Etiology |
|---|
hair loss |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
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 |
|---|
of the Blood; invigorates Blood and resolves stasis |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Regulates Qi and promotes circulation |
| Ashi points | Tender spots on the scalp |
|---|
and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with cupping on the scalp to enhance blood stasis resolution.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang (通窍活血汤)
Composition:
Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui),
Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Scallion (Lao Cong),
Ginger (Sheng Jiang), Jujube (Hong Zao), Musk (She Xiang), Licorice (Gan
Cao)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, and promotes hair
growth.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Scalp pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |
|---|
| Poor circulation |
|---|
microcirculation |
| Chronic lesions |
|---|
invigorate blood |
| Dark scalp color |
|---|
circulation |
Western Mechanism Reference
Microcirculatory disturbance causing reduced hair follicle blood supply,
abnormal scalp microcirculation, and reduced capillary density. Qi
Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to alopecia areata with scalp
circulatory disturbance, where impaired microcirculation contributes to
hair follicle ischemia and hair loss.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Alopecia Areata with Qi Stagnation and Blood
Stasis.
2. Xiong Jibai: Blood Stasis uses Blood-invigorating formulas.
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.
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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.