Lumbar Disc Herniation - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis
TCM differentiation and treatment for lumbar disc
Lumbar Disc Herniation · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Lower Back
Pattern Overview
Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is the core pattern during the acute
phase of lumbar disc herniation, characterized by **sharp stabbing pain
in the lower back, radiating leg pain, limited movement, and aggravation
with coughing or straining. The core pathogenesis is herniated disc
material compressing the meridians**, causing Qi stagnation, Blood
stasis, nerve root compression, and severe pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
radiating leg pain, limited movement |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
with coughing or straining |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, wiry-hesitant or thready-hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
stagnation and Blood stasis obstructing the collaterals |
| Etiology |
|---|
herniation acute onset, trauma |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Kidney Qi, invigorates blood and relieves pain |
| BL25 Dachangshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L4 |
|---|
lower lumbar and sacral area, treats radiating leg pain |
| DU3 Yaoyangguan |
|---|
processes | Warms Yang and unblocks collaterals, invigorates blood and
relieves pain |
| Ashi points |
|---|
nerve distribution | Local blood invigoration and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; during
the acute phase, use light technique. May combine with cupping to
enhance blood stasis resolution. Rest in bed is recommended.
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),
Gentiana (Qin Jiao), Notopterygium (Qiang Huo), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, unblocks collaterals,
and relieves pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Radiating leg pain |
|---|
Wind and unblock collaterals |
| Numbness |
|---|
invigorate blood |
| Severe pain |
|---|
pain |
| Cold-Dampness |
|---|
Cold |
| Qi deficiency |
|---|
invigorate blood |
Western Mechanism Reference
Nerve root compression with local inflammation, nerve root edema, and
herniated disc material pressing on the nerve root. Qi Stagnation with
Blood Stasis corresponds to acute lumbar disc herniation, where
herniated disc material causes nerve root compression, local
inflammation, and edema.
References
1. Database + Textbook.
2. Chen, L., et al. (2014). TCM for lumbar disc herniation. *BMC
Complementary and Alternative Medicine*, 14, 121.
3. WHO. (2023). Low back pain and disc disorders. 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 disc health.
Related TCM Patterns for Lumbar Disc Herniation
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.