Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis
TCM differentiation and treatment for carpal tunnel
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Wrist
Pattern Overview
Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a common pattern in carpal tunnel
syndrome, characterized by **nerve compression with numbness, fixed
pain, and aggravation at night. The core pathogenesis is stagnation
of Qi and Blood in the wrist collaterals**, leading to compression of
the median nerve and impaired sensation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
pain, worse at night |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
palpation |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
wrist collaterals |
| Etiology | Repetitive wrist flexion, chronic overuse, trauma |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| PC7 Daling | Center of the wrist crease |
|---|
Pericardium meridian; treats wrist pain |
| LI5 Yangxi | On the wrist crease, radial side |
|---|
and stiffness |
| PC6 Neiguan | 2 cun above the wrist crease, between the tendons |
|---|
Luo-connecting point; regulates Qi and Blood |
| Ashi points | Tender spots in the wrist |
|---|
and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; cupping
or pricking at Ashi points may be used 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 numbness | Add Ji Xue Teng, Dan Shen to improve circulation |
|---|
| Chronic pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |
|---|
| Weakness | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Nerve compression with numbness, local microcirculatory disturbance, and
impaired nerve perfusion. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to
moderate-to-severe carpal tunnel syndrome with significant nerve
compression and reduced blood flow to the median nerve.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for wrist pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM nerve health.
Related TCM Patterns for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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.