Post-Herpetic Neuralgia - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for post-herpetic
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia · 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 post-herpetic neuralgia,
characterized by **chronic post-herpetic pain, dull ache, weakness, and
fatigue. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood to
nourish the affected nerves**, leading to chronic pain, impaired nerve
repair, and persistent symptoms.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
recovery |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
sleep, dizziness |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
nerves |
| Etiology |
|---|
damage, elderly patients |
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 |
| BL17 Geshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T7 |
|---|
the Blood; nourishes Blood |
| Ashi points | Tender spots in the affected dermatome |
|---|
invigoration and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Geshu 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 post-herpetic pain with reduced nerve regeneration capacity,
impaired immune function, and tissue malnutrition. Qi-Blood Deficiency
corresponds to chronic post-herpetic neuralgia in elderly or debilitated
patients, where reduced nerve regeneration and impaired immune function
contribute to persistent pain.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Post-herpetic neuralgia fact sheet. World Health
Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for nerve pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM nerve health.
Related TCM Patterns for Post Herpetic Neuralgia
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.