Alopecia Areata · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Skin
Pattern Overview
Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is a pattern in alopecia areata, characterized by microcirculatory disturbance, scalp pain, patchy hair loss, fixed lesions, and dark scalp color. The core pathogenesis is Qi stagnation and Blood stasis in the scalp collaterals, causing reduced hair follicle blood supply and impaired hair growth.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Patchy hair loss, fixed lesions, scalp pain, dark scalp color |
| Associated Symptoms | Dark complexion, purple-dark lips, fixed pain, poor circulation |
| Tongue and Pulse | Purple-dark tongue with petechiae, hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Qi stagnation and Blood stasis in the scalp collaterals |
| Etiology | Chronic stress, trauma, poor circulation, prolonged hair loss |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Taichong (LR3) | Dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals | Soothes Liver-Qi and invigorates blood |
| 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 | Back-Shu point of the Blood; invigorates Blood and resolves stasis |
| Hegu (LI4) | Dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpals | Regulates Qi and promotes circulation |
| Ashi points | Tender spots on the scalp | Local blood invigoration and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may combine with cupping on the scalp to enhance blood stasis resolution.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: 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), Scallion (Lao Cong), Ginger (Sheng Jiang), Jujube (Hong Zao), Musk (She Xiang), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, and promotes hair growth.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Scalp pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |
| Poor circulation | Add Dan Shen, Ji Xue Teng to improve microcirculation |
| Chronic lesions | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi and invigorate blood |
| Dark scalp color | Add Dan Shen, Chi Shao to cool blood and invigorate circulation |
Western Mechanism Reference
Microcirculatory disturbance causing reduced hair follicle blood supply, abnormal scalp microcirculation, and reduced capillary density. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to alopecia areata with scalp circulatory disturbance, where impaired microcirculation contributes to hair follicle ischemia and hair loss.
References
- Dermatology of TCM - Alopecia Areata with Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis.
- Xiong Jibai: Blood Stasis uses Blood-invigorating formulas.
- 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.