Carpal Tunnel Syndrome · 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 carpal tunnel syndrome, characterized by nerve compression with numbness, fixed pain, and aggravation at night. The core pathogenesis is stagnation of Qi and Blood in the wrist collaterals, leading to compression of the median nerve and impaired sensation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Numbness and tingling in the hand, fixed wrist pain, worse at night |
| Associated Symptoms | Weakness in grip, swelling, tenderness on palpation |
| Tongue and Pulse | Purple-dark tongue with petechiae, thin white coating, hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Qi stagnation and Blood stasis obstructing the wrist collaterals |
| Etiology | Repetitive wrist flexion, chronic overuse, trauma |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| PC7 Daling | Center of the wrist crease | Source point of Pericardium meridian; treats wrist pain |
| LI5 Yangxi | On the wrist crease, radial side | Treats wrist pain and stiffness |
| PC6 Neiguan | 2 cun above the wrist crease, between the tendons | Luo-connecting point; regulates Qi and Blood |
| Ashi points | Tender spots in the wrist | Local blood 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 numbness | Add Ji Xue Teng, Dan Shen to improve circulation |
| Chronic pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |
| Weakness | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
Western Mechanism Reference
Nerve compression with numbness, local microcirculatory disturbance, and impaired nerve perfusion. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to moderate-to-severe carpal tunnel syndrome with significant nerve compression and reduced blood flow to the median nerve.
References
- Textbook Standard.
- 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 nerve health.