Shoulder Pain - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for shoulder pain with
Shoulder Pain · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Shoulder
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Pattern Overview
Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a common pattern in shoulder pain,
characterized by **traumatic injury, sharp fixed pain, and aggravation
at night. The core pathogenesis is stagnation of Qi and Blood in the
shoulder collaterals following injury or overuse**, leading to pain,
swelling, and impaired healing.
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Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| **Primary Symptoms** |
location, worse at night |
| **Associated Symptoms** |
shoulder swelling |
| **Tongue and Pulse** |
|---|
coating, hesitant pulse |
| **Pathogenesis** |
shoulder collaterals |
| **Etiology** | Shoulder injury, rotator cuff tear, chronic overuse |
|---|
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Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
| **LI15 Jianyu** |
|---|
acromion and the greater tubercle | Key point for shoulder pain;
unblocks the shoulder meridian |
| **LI11 Quchi** | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
Large Intestine meridian; regulates Qi and Blood |
| **TE14 Jianliao** | On the shoulder, posterior to LI15 |
|---|
shoulder pain and limited movement |
| **Ashi points** | Tender spots around the shoulder |
invigoration and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; cupping
or pricking at Ashi points may be used to enhance blood stasis
resolution.
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Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (桃红四物汤)
Composition:
Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui),
Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Rehmannia (Sheng Di),
Dan Shen
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, nourishes blood, and
relieves pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Severe pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |
| Limited movement | Add Shen Jin Cao, Tou Gu Cao to relax sinews |
| Qi deficiency |
invigorate blood |
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Western Mechanism Reference
Traumatic injury with local bleeding, microcirculatory disturbance, and
inflammatory response. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to
shoulder pain from rotator cuff injury or trauma, where soft tissue
damage and localized bleeding cause inflammation and pain.
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References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). *Musculoskeletal pain*. World Health Organization.
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Explore More
- **Find your solution at [MendGod.com](https://mendgod.com)** –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for shoulder pain
relief.
- **Deepen your knowledge at [TcmCIO.com](https://tcmcio.com)** – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM shoulder health.
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Consult a licensed healthcare provider.