Rosacea - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for rosacea with Qi
Rosacea · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Face/Skin
Pattern Overview
Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a chronic pattern in rosacea,
characterized by **fibrotic tissue hyperplasia in the rhinophyma stage,
VEGF elevation, vascular proliferation, and collagen deposition**. The
core pathogenesis is **Qi stagnation and Blood stasis in the facial
collaterals**, leading to vascular proliferation, fibrosis, and nasal
deformity.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
fibrosis, vascular proliferation |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
lesions, poor circulation |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
vascular proliferation |
| Etiology |
|---|
proliferation, fibrosis |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Soothes Liver-Qi and invigorates blood |
| 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 |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Regulates Qi and promotes circulation |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with local acupuncture on the nose area and cupping.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (桃红四物汤) + Chai Hu Shu Gan San
(柴胡疏肝散)
Composition:
Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui),
Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Bupleurum (Chai Hu),
Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Ke), Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, promotes Qi flow, and
reduces fibrosis.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Rhinophyma | Add San Leng, E Zhu to break up stasis |
|---|
| Fibrosis | Add Dan Shen, Ji Xue Teng to improve microcirculation |
|---|
| Vascular proliferation |
|---|
inhibit proliferation |
| Thickened skin |
|---|
masses |
Western Mechanism Reference
Fibrotic tissue hyperplasia in rhinophyma stage, with VEGF elevation
causing vascular proliferation and collagen deposition. Qi Stagnation
with Blood Stasis corresponds to rhinophyma stage rosacea, where VEGF
elevation and vascular proliferation contribute to fibrosis and nasal
deformity.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Rosacea with Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis.
2. Xiong Jibai: Qi Stagnation with 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.
Related TCM Patterns for Rosacea
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.