Bell's Palsy - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for Bell's palsy with
Bell's Palsy · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Qi-Blood Deficiency is a chronic pattern in Bell's palsy, characterized
by **slow facial nerve regeneration, delayed Wallerian degeneration
recovery, fatigue, poor healing, and pale complexion**. The core
pathogenesis is **Qi-Blood deficiency failing to nourish the facial
nerve**, leading to slow nerve regeneration and delayed recovery.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
paralysis, fatigue |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
palpitations, poor appetite |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
nerve |
| Etiology |
|---|
aging, prolonged recovery |
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 |
| Yangbai (GB14) |
|---|
eyebrow | Treats inability to close the eye |
| Dicang (ST4) | About 0.4 cun lateral to the corner of the mouth |
|---|
Treats deviation of the mouth |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Regulates Qi and unblocks collaterals |
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: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (补中益气汤) + Qian Zheng San
(牵正散)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu),
Angelica (Dang Gui), Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), White
Aconite (Bai Fu Zi), Bombyx Batryticatus (Jiang Can), Scorpion (Quan
Xie), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Supplements Qi and Blood, lifts Yang, and unblocks
collaterals.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Slow recovery | Add Dang Gui, Shu Di to nourish Blood |
|---|
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Slow facial nerve regeneration, delayed Wallerian degeneration recovery,
and reduced nerve repair capacity. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to
Bell's palsy with poor recovery, where reduced nerve growth factor
activity and impaired microcirculation contribute to slow nerve
regeneration.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Facial Paralysis with Qi-Blood Deficiency.
2. Xiong Jibai: Qi Deficiency uses Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Neurological health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for facial nerve
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM neurology.
Related TCM Patterns for Bells Palsy
- Wind-Cold Attacking the Collaterals
- Wind-Heat Attacking the Collaterals
- Phlegm-Blood Stasis Obstructing the Collaterals
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.