Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic fatigue
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Qi-Blood Deficiency is a chronic pattern in chronic fatigue syndrome,
characterized by **anemia or subclinical anemia, fatigue, pale
complexion, poor sleep, and impaired immune function**. The core
pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood to nourish the body,
leading to reduced energy production, poor tissue perfusion, and
systemic fatigue.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
palpitations |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
appetite |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Qi-Blood deficiency failing to nourish the body |
|---|
| Etiology | Chronic illness, poor nutrition, blood loss, overwork |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| 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 invigorates circulation |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and
Blood |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin |
| Xinshu (BL15) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T5 |
|---|
of Heart meridian; calms the spirit and nourishes Blood |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Sanyinjiao to warm and tonify
Qi and Blood.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ba Zhen Tang (八珍汤) or Gui Pi Tang (归脾汤)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice
(Gan Cao), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), White Peony
(Bai Shao), Rehmannia (Shu Di) — or with Astragalus, Sour Jujube Seed,
Longan, Polygala for Gui Pi Tang
Action: Supplements Qi and Blood, strengthens the Spleen and Heart.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe 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 |
|---|
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Anemia or subclinical anemia with reduced oxygen-carrying capacity,
protein-energy malnutrition, and immune dysfunction. Qi-Blood Deficiency
corresponds to chronic fatigue with anemia and nutritional deficits,
where reduced tissue oxygenation and impaired immune function contribute
to persistent fatigue.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Fatigue with Qi-Blood Deficiency.
2. DB-XJB: Gui Pi Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Chronic fatigue syndrome fact sheet. World Health
Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for fatigue relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM fatigue management.
Related TCM Patterns for Chronic Fatigue 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.