Type 2 Diabetes - Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for type 2 diabetes with
Type 2 Diabetes · Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Blood Stasis is a common pattern in type 2 diabetes, characterized by
**hyperglycemia-induced AGEs formation causing vascular damage, diabetic
microvascular complications, numbness, and poor wound healing**. The
core pathogenesis is **prolonged hyperglycemia causing blood stasis in
the collaterals**, leading to microvascular damage and diabetic
complications.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
complexion |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
diabetic neuropathy |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
hyperglycemia |
| Etiology |
|---|
microvascular damage |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella |
|---|
Invigorates blood and resolves stasis |
| Geshu (BL17) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T7 |
|---|
of the Blood; invigorates Blood and resolves stasis |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Yishu (EX-B3) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T8 |
|---|
specifically for diabetes; regulates pancreatic function |
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Soothes Liver Qi and invigorates blood |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with cupping to enhance blood stasis resolution.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (桃红四物汤) + Jiang Tang Huo Xue
Fang (降糖活血方)
Composition:
Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui),
Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Rehmannia (Sheng Di),
Salvia (Dan Shen)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, and improves
microcirculation.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe numbness | Add Ji Xue Teng, Dan Shen to improve circulation |
|---|
| Poor wound healing |
|---|
invigorate blood |
| Neuropathy | Add Niu Xi, Di Long to unblock collaterals |
|---|
| Retinopathy |
|---|
eyes |
Western Mechanism Reference
Hyperglycemia-induced AGEs formation causing vascular endothelial
damage, microcirculatory disturbance, and diabetic microvascular
complications. Blood Stasis corresponds to diabetic microvascular
complications, where AGEs formation and vascular damage contribute to
neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Wasting-Thirst with Blood Stasis.
2. DB-XJB: Tao Hong Si Wu Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Diabetes fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for metabolic
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM diabetes management.
Related TCM Patterns for Type 2 Diabetes
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.