Vitiligo - Qi-Blood Disharmony Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for vitiligo with
Vitiligo · Qi-Blood Disharmony Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Skin
Pattern Overview
Qi-Blood Disharmony is a common pattern in vitiligo, characterized by
**autoimmune attack on melanocytes, CD8+ T-cell activation,
anti-melanocyte antibodies, and progressive depigmentation**. The core
pathogenesis is **disharmony of Qi and Blood failing to nourish the
skin**, leading to autoimmune-mediated melanocyte destruction and
depigmentation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
well-defined borders |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
skin |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
destruction |
| Etiology |
|---|
trauma |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Regulates Qi and promotes circulation |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
regulates the immune system |
| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella |
|---|
Nourishes Blood and regulates immunity |
| Geshu (BL17) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T7 |
|---|
of the Blood; harmonizes Blood |
| Ashi points | Borders of depigmented patches |
|---|
invigoration and melanocyte stimulation |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; may combine
with local cupping on the lesions to promote microcirculation.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Bai Dian Feng Wan (白癜风丸) or Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang
(通窍活血汤)
Composition:
Psoralea (Bu Gu Zhi), Angelica (Dang Gui), Salvia (Dan Shen), Chuanxiong
(Chuan Xiong), Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Licorice
(Gan Cao)
Action: Harmonizes Qi and Blood, regulates immunity, and promotes
melanocyte regeneration.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Progressive depigmentation |
|---|
and regulate immunity |
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Dry skin | Add Dang Gui, Bai Shao to nourish Blood |
|---|
| Stress-related exacerbation |
|---|
|
Western Mechanism Reference
Autoimmune attack on melanocytes with CD8+ T-cell activation and
anti-melanocyte antibodies. Qi-Blood Disharmony corresponds to active
vitiligo, where CD8+ T-cell-mediated autoimmune attack and
anti-melanocyte antibodies contribute to melanocyte destruction and
depigmentation.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Vitiligo with Qi-Blood Disharmony.
2. 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.
Related TCM Patterns for Vitiligo
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.