Fibromyalgia · Qi-Blood Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Qi-Blood Deficiency is a common chronic pattern in fibromyalgia, characterized by chronic fatigue with diffuse pain, pale complexion, weakness, and poor sleep. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Qi and Blood to nourish the muscles and organs, leading to widespread pain, fatigue, and reduced function.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Chronic fatigue, diffuse muscle pain, weakness, poor sleep |
| Associated Symptoms | Pale complexion, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations |
| Tongue and Pulse | Pale tongue with thin white coating, thready and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Qi-Blood deficiency failing to nourish muscles and organs |
| Etiology | Chronic illness, poor nutrition, overwork, prolonged stress |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| ST36 Zusanli | 3 cun below the patella, 1 finger-width lateral to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and Blood |
| SP6 Sanyinjiao | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Nourishes Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| BL20 Pishu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 | Back-Shu point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 | Tonifies Kidney Qi and Essence |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method; moxibustion may be applied to Zusanli and Pishu to warm and tonify Qi and Blood.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ba Zhen Tang (八珍汤)
Composition:
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 |
| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic fatigue with diffuse pain, reduced energy metabolism, and impaired immune function. Qi-Blood Deficiency corresponds to fibromyalgia with significant fatigue and energy deficits, where impaired mitochondrial function and reduced tissue perfusion contribute to symptoms.
References
- Textbook Standard.
- WHO. (2023). Fibromyalgia fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for widespread pain relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM chronic pain management.