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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anemia is a relatively common symptom, and its causes mainly include the following aspects.
Firstly, spleen and stomach deficiency is an important factor leading to anemia.
TCM believes that the spleen and stomach are the foundation of postnatal life and the source of qi and blood production.If the function of the spleen and stomach is weak and the transformation is abnormal, it cannot convert the essence of food and drink into qi and blood, leading to insufficient qi and blood and the appearance of anemia symptoms.For example, irregular diet, excessive fatigue, and overthinking can damage the spleen and stomach.
Secondly, kidney essence deficiency is also related to anemia.
The kidneys store essence, which can generate marrow, and marrow can transform into blood.If kidney essence is insufficient and the marrow sea is empty, it will affect blood production. Insufficient congenital endowment, aging, chronic illness, and kidney issues can all lead to kidney essence deficiency.
Furthermore, qi and blood stagnation may also trigger anemia.
Qi and blood depend on each other; qi is the commander of blood, and blood is the mother of qi. If the flow of qi is obstructed, blood circulation will be hindered, leading to blood stasis.Blood stasis obstructs the meridians, making it difficult for new blood to be generated, thus resulting in anemia. Long-term emotional depression, exposure to cold, and trauma can all lead to qi and blood stagnation.
Additionally, excessive blood loss is a direct cause of anemia.
External injuries, excessive menstruation, and postpartum blood loss, if not promptly replenished,will reduce the total blood volume in the body, leading to anemia.
In summary, from a TCM perspective, anemia is the result of multiple factors acting together. Treatment of anemia requires a comprehensive consideration of the patient’s specific situation,through methods such as tonifying the spleen and stomach, replenishing kidney essence, invigorating blood circulation, and stopping bleeding while nourishing blood, to restore the balance of qi and blood and improve anemia symptoms.
Nourishing blood is a comprehensive process of adjustment.
There are various effective methods.
Herbal adjustment is key. Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) is a commonly used blood-nourishing herb, known for its ability to invigorate blood and is often used to treat blood deficiency symptoms.
Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) (熟地, Shú Dì; 白芍, Bái Sháo; 当归, Dāng Guī; 川芎, Chuān Xiōng)is a classic blood-nourishing formula,Shu Di (Rehmannia Glutinosa) nourishes yin and replenishes blood,Bai Shao (White Peony) nourishes blood and regulates menstruation,Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong) invigorates blood and promotes qi flow,Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) nourishes and invigorates blood. The combination of these four herbs serves to nourish and regulate blood, suitable for symptoms of blood deficiency and stagnation.Acupoint massage should not be overlooked.Zu San Li (足三里, Stomach 36) is an important acupoint located on the outer side of the lower leg. Regularly massaging this acupoint can strengthen the spleen and stomach, enhancing their function, which is the source of qi and blood production, thus aiding in blood nourishment.
Xue Hai (血海, Spleen 10) is located on the inner thigh and is an acupoint of the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian,which has the function of transforming blood into qi and promoting the circulation of spleen blood. Massaging Xue Hai can enhance blood generation and circulation.
Moreover, lifestyle adjustments are also crucial. Maintaining adequate sleep allows the body sufficient time for self-repair and blood production.Avoid excessive fatigue and overthinking, as overexertion harms the spleen, which is the source of qi and blood production.Appropriate exercise can also promote the circulation of qi and blood, such as Tai Chi and Ba Duan Jin, which through gentle movements, enhance physical strength and assist in the generation and transformation of qi and blood, thus achieving the goal of nourishing blood.Images and text are sourced from the internet; please inform us for removal if there is any infringement.