Lower Back Pain - Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for lower back pain with
Lower Back Pain · Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Lower Back
Pattern Overview
Blood Stasis is a common pattern in lower back pain, characterized by
disc-related pain, sharp fixed pain, and aggravation at night. The
core pathogenesis is stagnation of blood in the lumbar collaterals,
leading to nerve root compression, local hematoma organization, and
persistent pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
location, worse at night |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
dull complexion |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Blood stasis obstructing the lumbar collaterals |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
entering collaterals |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Kidney Qi, invigorates blood and relieves pain |
| BL40 Weizhong |
|---|
| Relaxes sinews and activates collaterals, benefits the lower back and
knees |
| DU3 Yaoyangguan |
|---|
processes | Warms Yang and unblocks collaterals, invigorates blood and
relieves pain |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the lower back |
|---|
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: Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang (身痛逐瘀汤)
Composition:
Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui),
Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Trogopterus Dung (Wu Ling Zhi), Myrrh (Mo
Yao), Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Achyranthes (Niu Xi), Earthworm (Di Long)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, unblocks collaterals,
and relieves pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe pain |
|---|
pain |
| Radiating leg pain |
|---|
unblock collaterals |
| Qi deficiency |
|---|
invigorate blood |
| Cold-Dampness |
|---|
Cold |
Western Mechanism Reference
Disc-related pain with local hematoma organization, nerve root
compression, and inflammatory response. Blood Stasis corresponds to
lumbar disc herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis, where nerve root
compression and local inflammation contribute to 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 back pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM back health.
Related TCM Patterns for Lower Back 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.