Peripheral Neuropathy - Blood Stasis Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for peripheral

Peripheral Neuropathy · Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body


Pattern Overview

Blood Stasis is a common pattern in peripheral neuropathy, characterized

by nerve damage with numbness, sharp pain, and aggravation at night.

The core pathogenesis is **stagnation of blood in the peripheral nerve

collaterals**, leading to impaired nerve perfusion, numbness, and pain.


Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

feet, worse at night |

Associated Symptoms

complexion, purple-dark lips |

Tongue and Pulse

coating, hesitant pulse |

Pathogenesis

collaterals |

Etiology

compression |


Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
BL17 Geshu Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T7

the Blood; invigorates Blood and resolves stasis |

SP10 Xuehai On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella

Invigorates blood and resolves stasis |

BL40 Weizhong
He-Sea point of Bladder meridian; treats leg pain
Ashi points Tender spots in the affected areas

invigoration and pain relief |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; cupping

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)

Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, nourishes blood, and

relieves pain.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Severe numbness Add Ji Xue Teng, Dan Shen to improve circulation
Burning pain

pain |

Weakness

blood |


Western Mechanism Reference

Nerve damage with numbness, microcirculatory disturbance, and impaired

nerve perfusion. Blood Stasis corresponds to peripheral neuropathy with

significant vascular impairment, where reduced blood flow to the nerves

contributes to ischemia, pain, and sensory loss.


References

1. Textbook Standard.

2. WHO. (2023). Peripheral neuropathy fact sheet. World Health

Organization.


Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for nerve pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM nerve health.


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.