Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for myofascial pain
Myofascial Pain Syndrome · 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 chronic pattern in myofascial pain syndrome,
characterized by **chronic fatigue with pain, weakness, and poor
recovery. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood to
nourish the muscles**, leading to muscle weakness, chronic pain, and
impaired recovery.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
recovery |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
sleep, cold limbs |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
|
| Etiology | Chronic illness, poor nutrition, overwork |
|---|
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 |
| BL20 Pishu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| Ashi points | Tender spots throughout the body |
|---|
invigoration and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Pishu 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 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
Chronic fatigue with pain, reduced energy metabolism, impaired muscle
recovery, and immune dysfunction. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to
myofascial pain syndrome with significant fatigue, where impaired
mitochondrial function and reduced tissue perfusion contribute to
symptoms.
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 muscle pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM myofascial pain
management.
Related TCM Patterns for Myofascial Pain Syndrome
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.