Hand Arthritis - Blood Stasis Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for hand arthritis with

Hand Arthritis · Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Hand

Pattern Overview

Blood Stasis is a chronic pattern in hand arthritis, characterized by

joint deformity, sharp fixed pain, and aggravation at night. The

core pathogenesis is **prolonged stasis of blood in the hand joint

collaterals**, leading to joint deformity, chronic inflammation, and

persistent pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

location, worse at night |

Associated Symptoms

tenderness |

Tongue and Pulse

coating, hesitant pulse |

Pathogenesis

collaterals |

Etiology

inflammation |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
LI5 Yangxi On the wrist crease, radial side

Large Intestine meridian; treats wrist and hand pain |

SP10 Xuehai On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella

Invigorates blood and resolves stasis |

BA Xie (Eight Evils) Between the fingers, at the web margins

Local points; treats finger joint pain and stiffness |

Ashi points Tender spots around the hand joints

invigoration and pain relief |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; cupping

or pricking at Ashi points may be used to enhance blood stasis

resolution.

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)

Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, nourishes blood, and

relieves pain.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Chronic joint deformity Add San Leng, E Zhu to break up stasis
Severe pain Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain
Swelling Add Dan Shen, Ji Xue Teng to improve microcirculation

Western Mechanism Reference

Joint deformity with microcirculatory disturbance, fibrosis, and

impaired tissue repair. Blood Stasis corresponds to chronic hand

arthritis with significant joint damage, where chronic inflammation and

impaired microcirculation lead to progressive joint destruction.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for hand pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM arthritis 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.