Rib Pain - Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for rib pain with

Rib Pain · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Chest

Pattern Overview

Qi-Blood Deficiency is a chronic pattern in rib pain, characterized by

chronic costochondritis, dull ache, weakness, and fatigue. The core

pathogenesis is **insufficient Qi and Blood to nourish the chest and rib

area**, leading to chronic costochondritis, weakness, and impaired

healing.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

fatigue |

Associated Symptoms

sleep, dizziness |

Tongue and Pulse

and weak pulse |

Pathogenesis

and rib area |

Etiology Chronic illness, poor nutrition, prolonged chest pain

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 |

BL18 Ganshu Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T9

of Liver meridian; nourishes Liver Blood |

LR3 Taichong

metatarsals | Soothes Liver Qi and regulates Qi flow |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;

moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Ganshu 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 costochondritis with reduced tissue repair, impaired immune

function, and nutritional deficiency. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to

chronic costochondritis with poor healing capacity, where inadequate

nutrient supply and reduced immune function contribute to persistent

pain.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for chest pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM chest 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.