Knee Osteoarthritis - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for knee osteoarthritis
Knee Osteoarthritis · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Knee
Pattern Overview
Qi-Blood Deficiency is a chronic pattern in knee osteoarthritis,
characterized by **chronic weakness, dull pain, fatigue, and poor
recovery. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood to
nourish the knee joint and muscles**, leading to weakness, chronic pain,
and impaired function.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
recovery |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
sleep, cold limbs |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Qi-Blood deficiency failing to nourish the knee |
|---|
| Etiology | Chronic illness, poor nutrition, prolonged arthritis |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| ST36 Zusanli |
|---|
the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and Blood
|
| SP6 Sanyinjiao | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Qi and Essence |
| ST35 Dubi | In the two hollows beside the patella |
|---|
that reduce knee pain and swelling |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Sanyinjiao to warm and tonify
Qi and Blood.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ba Zhen Tang (八珍汤)
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)
Action: Supplements Qi and Blood, strengthens the Spleen and
Stomach.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe weakness | 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
Chronic weakness with reduced muscle strength, impaired tissue repair,
and nutritional deficiency. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to knee
osteoarthritis with significant functional impairment and muscle
weakness, often seen in elderly patients or those with poor nutrition.
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 knee pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM arthritis health.
Related TCM Patterns for Knee Osteoarthritis
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.