Neck Pain - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for neck pain with Qi
Neck Pain · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Neck
Pattern Overview
Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a common pattern in neck pain,
characterized by **whiplash or chronic strain, sharp fixed pain, and
aggravation at night. The core pathogenesis is stagnation of Qi and
Blood in the neck collaterals following injury or chronic strain**,
leading to pain, swelling, and impaired healing.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
worse at night |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
dull complexion |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
collaterals |
| Etiology |
|---|
work |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| GB20 Fengchi | Depression below the occipital bone |
|---|
Wind; treats neck pain |
| BL10 Tianzhu | 1.3 cun lateral to GB20, in the neck |
|---|
Bladder meridian; treats neck pain |
| GB21 Jianjing |
|---|
| Relaxes the shoulder and neck muscles |
| Ashi points | Tender spots in the neck and shoulders |
|---|
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: Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (桃红四物汤)
Composition:
Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui),
Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Rehmannia (Sheng Di),
Yan Hu Suo
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, nourishes blood, and
relieves pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |
|---|
| Dizziness | Add Bai Zhi, Man Jing Zi to disperse Wind and stop pain |
|---|
| Arm numbness | Add Ji Xue Teng, Sang Zhi to unblock collaterals |
|---|
| Qi deficiency |
|---|
invigorate blood |
Western Mechanism Reference
Whiplash or chronic strain with local soft tissue damage,
microcirculatory disturbance, and hematoma formation. Qi Stagnation with
Blood Stasis corresponds to neck pain from whiplash injury or chronic
strain, where soft tissue damage and impaired microcirculation
contribute to persistent 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 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.