Cervical Spondylosis - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for cervical spondylosis
Cervical Spondylosis · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Neck
Pattern Overview
Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a common pattern in chronic cervical
spondylosis, characterized by **chronic degeneration with disc changes,
sharp fixed pain, and aggravation at night**. The core pathogenesis is
stagnation of Qi and Blood in the neck collaterals, leading to
chronic degeneration, disc changes, and nerve root irritation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
worse at night |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
limited movement |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
collaterals |
| Etiology | Chronic poor posture, prolonged desk work, trauma |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| GB20 Fengchi | Depression below the occipital bone |
|---|
Wind; treats neck pain |
| BL10 Tianzhu | 1.3 cun lateral to GB20, in the neck |
|---|
Bladder meridian; treats neck pain |
| GB21 Jianjing |
|---|
| Relaxes the shoulder and neck muscles |
| Ashi points | Tender spots in the neck and shoulders |
|---|
invigoration 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 pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |
|---|
| Numbness | Add Ji Xue Teng, Dan Shen to improve circulation |
|---|
| Weakness | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic degeneration with disc changes, local microcirculatory
disturbance, and nerve root irritation. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis
corresponds to cervical spondylosis with significant degenerative
changes, where chronic inflammation and impaired circulation contribute
to nerve root irritation.
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 neck pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM spine health.
Related TCM Patterns for Cervical Spondylosis
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.