Heel Pain - Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for heel pain with Blood
Heel Pain · Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Foot
Pattern Overview
Blood Stasis is a chronic pattern in heel pain, characterized by **heel
spur with chronic pain, sharp fixed pain, and aggravation at night**.
The core pathogenesis is **stagnation of blood in the heel
collaterals**, leading to chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
location, worse at night |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
possible heel spur on X-ray |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Blood stasis obstructing the heel collaterals |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
standing |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL60 Kunlun |
|---|
tendon | Unblocks the Bladder meridian; treats heel pain |
| KI3 Taixi |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; tonifies Kidney Qi |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the heel |
|---|
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 |
|---|
| Severe pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |
|---|
| Heel spur | Add Niu Xi, Gu Sui Bu to strengthen the heel |
|---|
| Chronic condition |
|---|
microcirculation |
Western Mechanism Reference
Heel spur with chronic pain, local fibrosis, microcirculatory
disturbance, and calcaneal stress. Blood Stasis corresponds to chronic
heel pain with heel spur formation, where chronic inflammation and
impaired microcirculation contribute to persistent pain.
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 foot pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM foot health.
Related TCM Patterns for Heel Pain
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.