PMS - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for PMS with Qi-Blood
PMS · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Pelvis
Pattern Overview
Qi-Blood Deficiency is a common pattern in PMS, characterized by
**luteal phase insufficiency, fatigue, pale complexion, dizziness, poor
sleep, and anemia. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and
Blood failing to nourish the body**, leading to luteal phase
insufficiency, low progesterone levels, and impaired function.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
|
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
appetite, weak voice |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Qi-Blood deficiency failing to nourish the body |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
postpartum weakness |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and
Blood |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen-Qi |
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
strengthens the body |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Baihui (GV20) |
|---|
anterior hairline | Lifts Qi and treats fatigue and dizziness |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Qihai to warm and tonify Qi
and Blood.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Gui Pi Tang (归脾汤) or Ba Zhen Tang (八珍汤)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria
(Fu Ling), Angelica (Dang Gui), White Peony (Bai Shao), Sour Jujube Seed
(Suan Zao Ren), Longan (Long Yan Rou), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Supplements Qi and Blood, strengthens the Spleen and Heart.
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 |
|---|
| Dizziness |
|---|
eyes |
| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Luteal phase insufficiency with low progesterone levels, anemia,
malnutrition, and functional impairment. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds
to PMS with fatigue and anemia, where reduced tissue perfusion and low
progesterone levels contribute to mood changes and physical symptoms.
References
1. Gynecology of TCM - PMS with Qi-Blood Deficiency.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Spleen-Qi Deficiency + Heart-Blood
Deficiency.
3. WHO. (2023). Women's health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for women's health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM gynecology.
Related TCM Patterns for Pms
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.