Frozen Shoulder - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for frozen shoulder with
Frozen Shoulder · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Shoulder
Pattern Overview
Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is the core pattern in frozen shoulder,
characterized by **adhesive capsulitis, sharp fixed pain, severe limited
movement, and aggravation at night**. The core pathogenesis is
stagnation of Qi and Blood in the shoulder collaterals, leading to
capsular fibrosis, adhesion formation, and progressive restriction of
movement.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
severe limited movement, worse at night |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
tenderness on palpation |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
shoulder collaterals |
| Etiology | Prolonged immobility, trauma, chronic inflammation |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| LI15 Jianyu |
|---|
acromion and the greater tubercle | Key point for shoulder pain;
unblocks the shoulder meridian |
| LI11 Quchi | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
Large Intestine meridian; regulates Qi and Blood in the upper limb |
| TE14 Jianliao | On the shoulder, posterior to LI15 |
|---|
shoulder pain and limited movement |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the shoulder |
|---|
invigoration and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; cupping
or pricking at Ashi points may be used to enhance blood stasis
resolution. Combine with passive shoulder exercises.
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),
Yan Hu Suo
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 |
|---|
| Pronounced stiffness | Add Shen Jin Cao, Tou Gu Cao to relax sinews |
|---|
| Weakness | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Adhesive capsulitis with capsular fibrosis, microcirculatory
disturbance, and synovial inflammation. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis
corresponds to the freezing stage of frozen shoulder, where progressive
capsular fibrosis and adhesion formation severely restrict shoulder
movement.
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.