Fibromyalgia - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for fibromyalgia with
Fibromyalgia · 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 common chronic pattern in fibromyalgia,
characterized by **chronic fatigue with diffuse pain, pale complexion,
weakness, and poor sleep. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi
and Blood to nourish the muscles and organs**, leading to widespread
pain, fatigue, and reduced function.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
poor sleep |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
dizziness, palpitations |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
organs |
| Etiology |
|---|
stress |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| ST36 Zusanli |
|---|
the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and Blood
|
| SP6 Sanyinjiao | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| BL20 Pishu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Qi and Essence |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Pishu to warm and tonify Qi
and Blood.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ba Zhen Tang (八珍汤)
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)
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 |
|---|
| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic fatigue with diffuse pain, reduced energy metabolism, and
impaired immune function. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to
fibromyalgia with significant fatigue and energy deficits, where
impaired mitochondrial function and reduced tissue perfusion contribute
to symptoms.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Fibromyalgia fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for widespread pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM chronic pain
management.
Related TCM Patterns for Fibromyalgia
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.