Wrist Pain - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for wrist pain with Qi
Wrist Pain · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Wrist
Pattern Overview
Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a common pattern in wrist pain,
characterized by **carpal injury, sharp fixed pain, and aggravation at
night. The core pathogenesis is stagnation of Qi and Blood in the
wrist collaterals following injury or overuse**, leading to pain,
swelling, and impaired healing.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
location, worse at night |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
|
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
wrist collaterals |
| Etiology | Wrist injury, carpal bone fracture, chronic overuse |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| TE5 Waiguan | 2 cun above the wrist crease, dorsal side |
|---|
the Triple Energizer meridian; treats wrist and arm pain |
| LI5 Yangxi | On the wrist crease, radial side |
|---|
Large Intestine meridian; treats wrist pain and stiffness |
| PC7 Daling | Center of the wrist crease |
|---|
Pericardium meridian; treats wrist pain |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the wrist |
|---|
invigoration and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; cupping
or pricking at Ashi points may be used 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)
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 |
|---|
| Swelling | Add Dan Shen, Chi Shao to improve microcirculation |
|---|
| Weakness | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Carpal injury with microcirculatory disturbance, local hematoma, and
inflammatory response. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to
wrist pain from injury or chronic overuse, where soft tissue damage and
localized bleeding cause inflammation and pain.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for wrist pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM joint health.
Related TCM Patterns for Wrist Pain
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.