Hip Arthritis - Blood Stasis Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for hip arthritis with

Hip Arthritis · Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Hip


Pattern Overview

Blood Stasis is a serious pattern in hip arthritis, characterized by

avascular necrosis, sharp fixed pain, and aggravation at night. The

core pathogenesis is severe stasis of blood in the hip joint,

leading to impaired blood supply, bone ischemia, and progressive joint

destruction.


Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

location, worse at night |

Associated Symptoms

joint damage |

Tongue and Pulse

coating, hesitant pulse |

Pathogenesis

hip joint |

Etiology

disease |


Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
GB30 Huantiao

trochanter | Master point for hip pain; on the Gallbladder meridian |

BL54 Zhibian 3 cun lateral to the sacral hiatus

lower back pain |

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

Invigorates blood and resolves stasis |

Ashi points Tender spots around the hip joint

invigoration and pain relief |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; cupping

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
Bone necrosis Add Gu Sui Bu, Niu Xi to nourish bones
Weakness Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi

Western Mechanism Reference

Avascular necrosis with impaired blood supply, bone ischemia, and

progressive joint destruction. Blood Stasis corresponds to avascular

necrosis of the femoral head, where compromised blood supply leads to

bone death and joint collapse.


References

1. Textbook Standard.

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


Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for hip 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.