Gout - Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for gout with Blood
Gout · Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Joints
Pattern Overview
Blood Stasis is a chronic pattern in gout, characterized by **chronic
urate deposition, tophi formation, joint deformity, sharp fixed pain,
and nodule formation. The core pathogenesis is prolonged illness
causing blood stasis in the joints**, leading to tophi formation,
periarticular fibrosis, and joint destruction.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
formation |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
joint movement |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
destruction |
| Etiology |
|---|
|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella |
|---|
Invigorates blood and resolves stasis |
| Geshu (BL17) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T7 |
|---|
of the Blood; invigorates Blood and resolves stasis |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the affected joint |
|---|
invigoration and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with cupping at Ashi points to enhance blood stasis resolution.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang (身痛逐瘀汤) + Si Miao San
(四妙散)
Composition:
Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui),
Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Myrrh (Mo Yao), Achyranthes (Niu Xi),
Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Phellodendron (Huang Bai)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, clears Damp-Heat, and
unblocks collaterals.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Tophi formation | Add San Leng, E Zhu to break up stasis |
|---|
| Severe pain | Add Ru Xiang, Yan Hu Suo to relieve pain |
|---|
| Joint deformity |
|---|
collaterals |
| Swelling | Add Dan Shen, Chi Shao to improve microcirculation |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic urate deposition causing tophi formation, periarticular
fibrosis, and progressive joint destruction. Blood Stasis corresponds to
chronic gout with tophi formation, where persistent urate deposition
leads to periarticular fibrosis, tophi, and progressive joint damage.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Bi Syndrome with Blood Stasis Obstruction.
2. DB-XJB: Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Gout fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for joint health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM gout management.
Related TCM Patterns for Gout
- Damp-Heat Accumulation
- Phlegm-Dampness Obstruction
- Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
- Liver-Kidney Deficiency
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.