Vitiligo - Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for vitiligo with Blood
Vitiligo · Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Skin
Pattern Overview
Blood Stasis is a pattern in vitiligo, characterized by
**microcirculatory disturbance, reduced melanocyte nutrient supply,
depigmentation with dark borders, and fixed lesions**. The core
pathogenesis is Blood stasis in the skin collaterals, causing
reduced nutrient supply to melanocytes and impaired melanin synthesis.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
lesions, slow progression |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
poor circulation |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Blood stasis in the skin collaterals |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
inflammation |
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 |
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Soothes Liver-Qi and invigorates blood |
| Ashi points | Borders of depigmented patches |
|---|
invigoration and melanocyte stimulation |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with cupping on the lesions to enhance blood stasis resolution.
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),
Salvia (Dan Shen), Spatholobus (Ji Xue Teng), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, and promotes melanocyte
nutrition.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Dark borders |
|---|
circulation |
| Fixed lesions | Add San Leng, E Zhu to break up stasis |
|---|
| Poor circulation |
|---|
microcirculation |
| Dry skin | Add Dang Gui, Bai Shao to nourish Blood |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Microcirculatory disturbance causing reduced melanocyte nutrient supply,
reduced capillary density in lesions, and abnormal hemorheology. Blood
Stasis corresponds to vitiligo with microcirculatory disturbance, where
reduced capillary density and abnormal hemorheology contribute to
impaired melanocyte nutrition.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Vitiligo with Blood Stasis.
2. Xiong Jibai: Blood Stasis uses Tao Hong Si Wu Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for skin health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM dermatology.
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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.