Trigeminal Neuralgia · Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Blood Stasis is a common pattern in trigeminal neuralgia, characterized by nerve demyelination with vascular compression, fixed stabbing pain, worse at night, and dull complexion. The core pathogenesis is Blood stasis in the facial collaterals, causing nerve ischemia, hypoxia, and persistent pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Fixed stabbing pain, worse at night, stabbing quality |
| Associated Symptoms | Dark complexion, purple-dark lips, fixed location, poor response to treatment |
| Tongue and Pulse | Purple-dark tongue with petechiae, hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Blood stasis in the facial collaterals |
| Etiology | Chronic trigeminal neuralgia, inadequate treatment, vascular compression, microcirculatory disturbance |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Hegu (LI4) | Dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpals | Regulates Qi and invigorates blood |
| 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 |
| Xiaguan (ST7) | In the depression on the lower border of the zygomatic arch, below the temporal process of the zygomatic bone | Key point for trigeminal neuralgia |
| Ashi points | Tender spots on the face | Local blood invigoration and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may combine with cupping on the local area to enhance blood stasis resolution.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (血府逐瘀汤) or 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), Rehmannia (Sheng Di), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Ke), Musk (She Xiang), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, unblocks collaterals, and relieves pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Severe pain | Add Quan Xie, Wu Gong to search out Wind and stop pain |
| Vascular compression | Add Dan Shen, San Qi to enhance blood invigoration |
| Chronic condition | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi and invigorate blood |
| Night aggravation | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |
Western Mechanism Reference
Nerve demyelination with vascular compression, nerve ischemia and hypoxia, and microvascular compression. Blood Stasis corresponds to trigeminal neuralgia with vascular compression, where microvascular compression and nerve ischemia contribute to demyelination and pain.
References
- Internal Medicine of TCM - Facial Pain with Blood Stasis.
- Xiong Jibai: Blood Stasis uses Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang.
- WHO. (2023). Neurological health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for nerve pain relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM neurology.