Sciatica - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for sciatica with Qi
Sciatica · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Leg
Pattern Overview
Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is the core pattern during the acute
phase of sciatica, characterized by **sharp radiating leg pain, nerve
root compression, limited movement, and aggravation with coughing or
straining. The core pathogenesis is herniated disc or piriformis
muscle compression causing Qi stagnation and Blood stasis along the
sciatic nerve pathway**, leading to severe pain and impaired function.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
back down the leg, worse with coughing or straining |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
movement, numbness |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, wiry-hesitant or thready-hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
stasis along the sciatic nerve pathway |
| Etiology | Lumbar disc herniation, piriformis syndrome, trauma |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Kidney Qi, invigorates blood and relieves pain |
| BL25 Dachangshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L4 |
|---|
lower lumbar and sacral area, treats radiating leg pain |
| BL40 Weizhong |
|---|
| The "back pain master point"; treats sciatica |
| GB30 Huantiao |
|---|
trochanter of femur | Master point for sciatica; on the Gallbladder
meridian |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; during
the acute phase, use light technique. May combine with cupping to
enhance blood stasis resolution. Rest in bed is recommended.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang (身痛逐瘀汤)
Composition:
Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui),
Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Trogopterus Dung (Wu Ling Zhi), Myrrh (Mo
Yao), Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Achyranthes (Niu Xi), Earthworm (Di Long),
Gentiana (Qin Jiao), Notopterygium (Qiang Huo), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, unblocks collaterals,
and relieves pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Radiating leg pain |
|---|
Wind and unblock collaterals |
| Numbness |
|---|
invigorate blood |
| Severe pain |
|---|
pain |
| Piriformis muscle tightness |
|---|
relieve tension |
Western Mechanism Reference
Nerve root compression from disc herniation or piriformis syndrome, with
local inflammation and nerve root ischemia. Qi Stagnation with Blood
Stasis corresponds to acute sciatica, where herniated disc material or
piriformis muscle spasm causes nerve root compression, local
inflammation, and severe radiating pain.
References
1. Database + Textbook.
2. Yuan, J., et al. (2016). TCM for sciatica: a meta-analysis.
Medicine, 95(18), e3578.
3. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for sciatica relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM nerve health.
Related TCM Patterns for Sciatica
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.