Trigeminal Neuralgia - Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia · Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Blood Stasis is a common pattern in trigeminal neuralgia, characterized
by **nerve demyelination with vascular compression, fixed stabbing pain,
worse at night, and dull complexion. The core pathogenesis is Blood
stasis in the facial collaterals**, causing nerve ischemia, hypoxia, and
persistent pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
quality |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
location, poor response to treatment |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Blood stasis in the facial collaterals |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
vascular compression, microcirculatory disturbance |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Regulates Qi and invigorates blood |
| 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 |
| Xiaguan (ST7) |
|---|
zygomatic arch, below the temporal process of the zygomatic bone | Key
point for trigeminal neuralgia |
| Ashi points | Tender spots on the face |
|---|
and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with cupping on the local area to enhance blood stasis
resolution.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (血府逐瘀汤) or Tong Qiao Huo Xue
Tang (通窍活血汤)
Composition:
Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui),
Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Rehmannia (Sheng Di),
Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Ke), Musk (She Xiang),
Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, unblocks collaterals,
and relieves pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe pain | Add Quan Xie, Wu Gong to search out Wind and stop pain |
|---|
| Vascular compression |
|---|
invigoration |
| Chronic condition |
|---|
invigorate blood |
| Night aggravation | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Nerve demyelination with vascular compression, nerve ischemia and
hypoxia, and microvascular compression. Blood Stasis corresponds to
trigeminal neuralgia with vascular compression, where microvascular
compression and nerve ischemia contribute to demyelination and pain.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Facial Pain with Blood Stasis.
2. Xiong Jibai: Blood Stasis uses Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Neurological health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for nerve pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM neurology.
Related TCM Patterns for Trigeminal Neuralgia
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.