Psoriasis - Blood-Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for psoriasis with
Psoriasis · Blood-Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Skin
Pattern Overview
Blood-Stasis is a common pattern in plaque-type psoriasis, characterized
by **microcirculatory disturbance, thickened plaques, dark red color,
slow resolution, and chronic lesions. The core pathogenesis is Blood
stasis in the skin collaterals**, leading to microcirculatory
disturbance, platelet aggregation, and chronic plaque formation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
resolution, chronic lesions |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
pain, palpable induration |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Blood stasis in the skin collaterals |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
inflammation, microcirculatory disturbance |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella |
|---|
Invigorates blood and resolves stasis |
| Geshu (BL17) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T7 |
|---|
of the Blood; invigorates Blood and resolves stasis |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Regulates Qi and invigorates blood |
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Soothes Liver-Qi and invigorates blood |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with cupping to enhance blood stasis resolution.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (桃红四物汤) or Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
(血府逐瘀汤)
Composition:
Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui),
Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Rehmannia (Sheng Di),
Salvia (Dan Shen), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, and improves
microcirculation.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Thickened plaques | Add San Leng, E Zhu to break up stasis |
|---|
| Dark red color |
|---|
circulation |
| Chronic lesions |
|---|
invigorate blood |
| Induration | Add Xia Ku Cao, Zhe Bei Mu to soften and resolve masses |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Plaque-type psoriasis with microcirculatory disturbance, nailfold
microcirculation abnormalities, increased platelet aggregation, and
elevated blood viscosity. Blood-Stasis corresponds to plaque-type
psoriasis, where microcirculatory disturbance and increased blood
viscosity contribute to chronic plaque formation and slow resolution.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Psoriasis with Blood-Stasis.
2. Xiong Jibai: Blood-Stasis uses Tao Hong Si Wu Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for skin health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM dermatology.
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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.