Sacroiliac Joint Pain - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for sacroiliac joint
Sacroiliac Joint Pain · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Lower Back
Pattern Overview
Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a common pattern in sacroiliac joint
pain, characterized by **traumatic SI joint pain, sharp fixed pain, and
aggravation at night. The core pathogenesis is trauma causing Qi
stagnation and Blood stasis in the sacroiliac region**, leading to
ligament injury, pain, and impaired healing.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
fixed location, worse at night |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
difficulty turning over |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
the sacroiliac collaterals |
| Etiology |
|---|
strain |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Kidney Qi, invigorates blood and relieves pain |
| BL32 Ciliao | In the second sacral foramen |
|---|
sacral pain |
| DU3 Yaoyangguan |
|---|
processes | Warms Yang and unblocks collaterals, invigorates blood and
relieves pain |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the sacroiliac region |
|---|
blood invigoration and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; cupping
or pricking at Ashi points may be used to enhance blood stasis
resolution.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Fu Yuan Huo Xue Tang (复元活血汤)
Composition:
Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Angelica (Dang Gui), Peach Kernel (Tao Ren),
Safflower (Hong Hua), Pangolin Scales (Chuan Shan Jia), Trichosanthes
Root (Tian Hua Fen), Rhubarb (Da Huang), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, promotes Qi flow, and
reduces swelling.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |
|---|
| Swelling | Add Dan Shen, Chi Shao to improve microcirculation |
|---|
| Cold-Dampness |
|---|
|
Western Mechanism Reference
Traumatic SI joint pain with ligament injury, local hematoma, and
inflammatory response. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to
sacroiliac joint sprain or ligament injury, where soft tissue damage and
localized bleeding cause inflammation and pain.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for back pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM joint health.
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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.