Dysmenorrhea - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for dysmenorrhea with

Dysmenorrhea · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Pelvis

Pattern Overview

Qi-Blood Deficiency is a common deficiency pattern in dysmenorrhea,

characterized by **uterine malnutrition, weak contractions, dull

menstrual pain, fatigue, and pale complexion**. The core pathogenesis is

insufficient Qi and Blood failing to nourish the uterus, leading to

weak uterine contractions, ischemia, and dull pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

light menstrual flow |

Associated Symptoms

dizziness, poor sleep, weak voice |

Tongue and Pulse

and weak pulse |

Pathogenesis Qi-Blood deficiency failing to nourish the uterus
Etiology

congenital weakness |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
Zusanli (ST36)

to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and

Blood |

Sanyinjiao (SP6) 3 cun above the medial malleolus

for gynecological conditions; nourishes Blood |

Qihai (RN6) 1.5 cun below the umbilicus

strengthens the body |

Pishu (BL20) Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11

of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |

Weishu (BL21) Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T12

point of Stomach meridian; harmonizes the Stomach |

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: Ba Zhen Tang (八珍汤) or Sheng Yu Tang (圣愈汤)

Composition (Ba Zhen Tang):

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)

Action: Supplements Qi and Blood, strengthens the Spleen and

Stomach.

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
Dizziness

eyes |

Cold limbs Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians

Western Mechanism Reference

Uterine malnutrition, weak contraction strength, anemia, low

prostaglandin levels, and reduced endometrial thickness. Qi-Blood

Deficiency corresponds to dysmenorrhea with anemia and poor uterine

nutrition, where reduced tissue perfusion and low prostaglandin levels

contribute to weak contractions and dull pain.

References

1. Gynecology of TCM - Dysmenorrhea with Qi-Blood Deficiency.

2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Spleen-Qi Deficiency + Heart-Blood

Deficiency.

3. WHO. (2023). Women's health. World Health Organization.

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for menstrual

health.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM women's health.

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.