Frozen Shoulder - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for frozen shoulder with
Frozen Shoulder · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Shoulder
Pattern Overview
Qi-Blood Deficiency is a chronic pattern in frozen shoulder,
characterized by **chronic stage with weakness, dull pain, muscle
atrophy, and fatigue. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and
Blood to nourish the shoulder muscles and tendons**, leading to muscle
atrophy, weakness, and impaired recovery.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
fatigue |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
sleep, cold limbs |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
muscles |
| Etiology |
|---|
frozen shoulder |
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 |
| LI15 Jianyu |
|---|
acromion and the greater tubercle | Key point for shoulder pain;
unblocks the shoulder meridian |
| GB34 Yanglingquan | Depression below the head of the fibula |
|---|
Master point for tendons; strengthens muscles |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Sanyinjiao to warm and tonify
Qi and Blood. Combine with gentle passive shoulder exercises.
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), Huang Qi
Action: Supplements Qi and Blood, strengthens the Spleen and
Stomach.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe weakness | 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 stage with muscle atrophy, reduced muscle strength, and impaired
tissue repair. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to the thawing stage of
frozen shoulder, where prolonged immobility leads to muscle atrophy and
weakness.
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 shoulder pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM shoulder health.
Related TCM Patterns for Frozen Shoulder
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.