Dysmenorrhea · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Pelvis
Pattern Overview
Qi-Blood Deficiency is a common deficiency pattern in dysmenorrhea, characterized by uterine malnutrition, weak contractions, dull menstrual pain, fatigue, and pale complexion. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood failing to nourish the uterus, leading to weak uterine contractions, ischemia, and dull pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Dull menstrual pain, fatigue, pale complexion, light menstrual flow |
| Associated Symptoms | Shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, poor sleep, weak voice |
| Tongue and Pulse | Pale tongue with thin white coating, thready and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Qi-Blood deficiency failing to nourish the uterus |
| Etiology | Chronic illness, poor nutrition, blood loss, overwork, congenital weakness |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Zusanli (ST36) | 3 cun below the patella, 1 finger-width lateral to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and Blood |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Master point for gynecological conditions; nourishes Blood |
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus | Tonifies Qi and strengthens the body |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 | Back-Shu point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| Weishu (BL21) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T12 | Back-Shu point of Stomach meridian; harmonizes the Stomach |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Qihai to warm and tonify Qi and Blood.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ba Zhen Tang (八珍汤) or Sheng Yu Tang (圣愈汤)
Composition (Ba Zhen Tang):
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice (Gan Cao), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), White Peony (Bai Shao), Rehmannia (Shu Di)
Action: Supplements Qi and Blood, strengthens the Spleen and Stomach.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Severe fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
| Poor sleep | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |
| Dizziness | Add Tian Ma, Gou Qi to nourish the Liver and brighten the eyes |
| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |
Western Mechanism Reference
Uterine malnutrition, weak contraction strength, anemia, low prostaglandin levels, and reduced endometrial thickness. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to dysmenorrhea with anemia and poor uterine nutrition, where reduced tissue perfusion and low prostaglandin levels contribute to weak contractions and dull pain.
References
- Gynecology of TCM - Dysmenorrhea with Qi-Blood Deficiency.
- Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Spleen-Qi Deficiency + Heart-Blood Deficiency.
- WHO. (2023). Women’s health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for menstrual health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM women’s health.