Neck Pain - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for neck pain with
Neck Pain · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Neck
Pattern Overview
Qi-Blood Deficiency is a chronic pattern in neck pain, characterized by
**chronic dizziness with neck pain, dull pain, fatigue, and poor
concentration. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood to
nourish the cervical spine and brain**, leading to chronic pain,
dizziness, and fatigue.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
concentration |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
palpitations, poor sleep |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
spine and brain |
| Etiology | Chronic illness, overwork, poor nutrition |
|---|
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 |
| GB20 Fengchi | Depression below the occipital bone |
|---|
head and treats neck pain |
| BL10 Tianzhu | 1.3 cun lateral to GB20, in the neck |
|---|
Bladder meridian; treats neck pain |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli 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 |
|---|
| Dizziness | Add Tian Ma, Gou Teng to calm Liver Wind |
|---|
| Poor sleep | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |
|---|
| Neck pain |
|---|
collaterals |
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic dizziness with neck pain, reduced cerebral perfusion, and
impaired tissue nourishment. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to cervical
spondylosis with chronic fatigue and cognitive symptoms, where
inadequate blood supply to the brain contributes to dizziness and poor
concentration.
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 neck pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM neck health.
Related TCM Patterns for Neck 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.