Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

How Chinese medicine differentiates chronic fatigue syndrome, the four patterns you'll actually meet in practice, and the points for each. Acupuncture only — no herbs.

This page is educational, for practitioners and students — it is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace a proper in-person assessment. Chronic fatigue syndrome needs medical evaluation to rule out other causes; acupuncture is a complementary, not a replacement, approach.

General Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture points traditionally used for chronic fatigue syndrome — 12 key points, used across most of the patterns below rather than tied to just one.

Point	Key action
ST-36	Benefits Stomach and Spleen, tonifies Qi and Blood.
SP-6	Strengthens the Spleen, resolves Dampness, nourishes Blood.
BL-20	Tonifies Spleen and Stomach, resolves Dampness, nourishes Blood.
Ren-12	Harmonizes Stomach-Qi, resolves Dampness and Phlegm.
LR-3	Subdues Liver-Yang, promotes the smooth flow of Liver-Qi, invigorates Blood.
L.I.-4	Expels exterior Wind, stops pain, removes obstructions from the channel.
LR-14	Promotes the smooth flow of Liver-Qi and harmonizes Liver and Stomach.
HE-7	Calms the Mind and opens the Mind's orifices. Nourishes Heart-Blood.
KI-3	Tonifies the Kidneys (Yin and Yang), strengthens Essence.
BL-23	Tonifies the Kidneys, nourishes Kidney-Essence and Kidney-Yin.
Ren-4	Strengthens the Kidneys, benefits Original Qi, nourishes Blood and Yin.
Du-20	Raises Yang. Lifts the Mind. Benefits the Brain.

The Four Patterns

↑ reinforcing ↓ reducing ⊥ even method — technique below follows standard Excess/Deficiency treatment principle for each pattern, not tied to a specific point-by-point source.

1. Spleen-Qi Deficiency View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Profound fatigue that worsens after eating; poor appetite with bloating and loose stools; heavy, weak limbs; a pale complexion with a low, quiet voice; brought on by chronic overwork, irregular meals, or long-term Spleen weakness; eased by rest and warm, easily-digested food.

Tongue: Pale, puffy, tender, tooth-marked, thin white coating. Pulse: Weak and soft overall, especially at the right middle (Spleen) position.

Treatment principle: Tonify the middle burner and augment Qi to restore energy production and improve digestion.

ST-36 ↑ SP-6 ↑ BL-20 ↑ Ren-12 ↑

Note: moxa applicable.

2. Liver-Qi Stagnation View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Fatigue that fluctuates with emotional stress; distension or bloating in the chest and rib sides; frequent sighing; irritability or a short temper; a sensation of a lump in the throat; distending pain or pressure in the ribs; brought on by stress, frustration, or suppressed emotion; eased by gentle exercise, emotional release, or a calmer routine.

Tongue: Normal or slightly dark, red or slightly purple sides, thin white coating. Pulse: Wiry, like a taut guitar string, especially at the left middle position.

Treatment principle: Course the Liver and resolve constraint to restore smooth Qi flow, relieving stagnant energy that blocks vitality.

LR-3 ↓ L.I.-4 ↓ LR-14 ↓

Note: no moxa.

3. Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Palpitations or a fluttering sensation in the chest; insomnia with vivid, excessive dreaming; forgetfulness and poor concentration; poor appetite with bloating after eating; a pale, sallow complexion and pale lips; brought on by chronic overthinking, long-term stress, or a long illness depleting Heart and Spleen; eased by rest, a calm routine, and nourishing food.

Tongue: Pale, puffy, tooth-marked, thin white coating. Pulse: Fine, Weak, especially feeble at the left Cun (Heart) and right Guan (Spleen) positions.

Treatment principle: Tonify Heart-Blood and strengthen Spleen-Qi to rebuild energy and stabilize the mind.

HE-7 ↑ SP-6 ↑ ST-36 ↑

Note: moxa applicable.

4. Kidney-Essence Deficiency View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Deep, persistent exhaustion unrelieved by rest; soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees; poor memory and difficulty concentrating; hair loss or premature greying; dizziness or tinnitus; frequent urination, especially at night; brought on by ageing, chronic overwork, or a long illness depleting Kidney-Essence; eased by rest and nourishing food.

Tongue: Pale, thin, little or no coating, possible fine cracks. Pulse: Fine, Deep, especially weak at the rear (Kidney) positions.

Treatment principle: Nourish Kidney-Yin and replenish Essence to restore constitutional reserves and foundational vitality.

KI-3 ↑ BL-23 ↑ Ren-4 ↑ Du-20 ↑

Note: moxa applicable.

Related conditions

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