Tennis Elbow - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for tennis elbow with Qi
Tennis Elbow · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Arm
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Pattern Overview
Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a common pattern in tennis elbow,
characterized by **overuse tendinopathy, sharp fixed pain, and
aggravation at night. The core pathogenesis is stagnation of Qi and
Blood in the elbow collaterals from repetitive overuse**, leading to
tendon degeneration, microtearing, and persistent pain.
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Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| **Primary Symptoms** |
fixed location, worse at night |
| **Associated Symptoms** |
limited wrist extension |
| **Tongue and Pulse** |
|---|
coating, hesitant pulse |
| **Pathogenesis** |
obstructing the elbow collaterals |
| **Etiology** |
|---|
increase in activity |
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Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| **LI11 Quchi** | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
Large Intestine meridian; regulates Qi and Blood |
| **LI10 Shousanli** | 2 cun below LI11, on the forearm |
treats elbow pain |
| **Ashi points** | Tender spots on the lateral elbow |
|---|
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)
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 |
| Weak grip | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
| Chronic condition |
microcirculation |
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Western Mechanism Reference
Overuse tendinopathy with microtearing, local inflammation, and impaired
tissue repair. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to tennis
elbow from repetitive overuse, where chronic microtrauma and impaired
microcirculation contribute to tendon degeneration.
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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 elbow pain
relief.
- **Deepen your knowledge at [TcmCIO.com](https://tcmcio.com)** – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM tendon health.
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Consult a licensed healthcare provider.