Hypothyroidism - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for hypothyroidism with
Hypothyroidism · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Qi-Blood Deficiency is a common pattern in hypothyroidism, characterized
by **thyroid hormone deficiency anemia, fatigue, pale complexion,
dizziness, and palpitations. The core pathogenesis is insufficient
Qi and Blood failing to nourish the body**, leading to anemia, fatigue,
and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
palpitations |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
dry skin |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Qi-Blood deficiency failing to nourish the body |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
dysfunction |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
strengthens the body |
| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella |
|---|
Nourishes Blood and invigorates circulation |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and
Blood |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Qihai and Zusanli to warm and tonify Qi
and Blood.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ba Zhen Tang (八珍汤) + Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
(补中益气汤)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice
(Gan Cao), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), White Peony
(Bai Shao), Rehmannia (Shu Di), Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Action: Supplements Qi and Blood, strengthens the Spleen and
Stomach.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe anemia | Add Shu Di, Dang Gui to nourish Blood |
|---|
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Poor sleep | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |
|---|
| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Thyroid hormone deficiency reducing erythropoietin production, causing
normocytic normochromic anemia and decreased oxygen-carrying capacity.
Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to hypothyroidism with anemia, where
reduced thyroid hormone levels decrease erythropoietin production and
contribute to anemia and fatigue.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Fatigue with Qi-Blood Deficiency.
2. DB-XJB: Gui Pi Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Thyroid disorders. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for thyroid health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM endocrine health.
Related TCM Patterns for Hypothyroidism
- Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency
- Phlegm-Dampness Internal Obstruction
- Liver Depression with Spleen 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.