Today, we continue to explore the nine types of constitutions, focusing on the sixth type—【Blood Stasis Constitution】—which we define as【the Spotty Type】, indicating that skin spots are a typical characteristic of this constitution.
First, when we see the term“Blood Stasis”, it is clear that it refers to blood being obstructed within the body. Naturally, one might also think of the term Qi Stagnation leading to Blood Stasis. Blood Stasis is closely related to Qi Stagnation. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory states that“Qi is the commander of blood, and blood is the mother of Qi.” Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis are like inseparable brothers; when Qi does not flow smoothly, blood circulation is impaired. The movement of blood is driven by the warmth of Yang Qi; thus, when Qi moves, blood moves. If Qi stagnates, blood stasis occurs, leading to severe consequences. Therefore, Blood Stasis constitution is often significantly related to Qi Stagnation and Qi Deficiency. The formation of Blood Stasis constitution has both external and internal causes. External causes mainly include the invasion of the six evils: wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness, and fire, which lead to blood stasis. Internal causes may involve dysfunction of the internal organs and emotional factors— joy, anger, sorrow, worry, thought, grief, and fear. Prolonged emotional entrapment in a specific environment can disrupt the balance of Qi and blood within the body, leading to dysfunction of the organs and the formation of Blood Stasis constitution.
Individuals with Blood Stasis constitution often exhibit symptoms that predispose them to cardiovascular diseases, significantly affecting the heart. The heart governs blood vessels, reflects on the face, and opens to the tongue. For this constitution, we first examine the tongue. The tongue surface is often very dry, with thick, dark red, and purplish coloration, and may have spots. The tongue coating is yellow, indicating a slight transparency with some color. When the tongue is pressed against the roof of the mouth, the veins underneath appear thick and prominent. In healthy individuals, there are two fine blue veins under the tongue, but in cases of severe Blood Stasis, these may become thick, and in some cases, three veins may appear, indicating significant internal disease. Such individuals should seek medical attention promptly. Another sign is hair loss, which may be severe but does not lead to baldness. The skin is often dry, dull, and lacks luster, with a tendency to peel, especially on the legs, resembling fish scales. There may be spots on the face, and dark circles around the eyes, with the eyelids appearing purplish-black. Even without staying up late, there may be bloodshot eyes, particularly in the afternoon. This indicates a Blood Stasis constitution, where the fundamental cause is often excessive cold and dampness, leading to stagnation. Various eye conditions may arise, such as floaters, night blindness, and glaucoma. The lips may appear dark, especially at the edges, leading to many people opting for lip tinting, which can damage small blood vessels and exacerbate stagnation, affecting the spleen and stomach, as the spleen’s health is reflected in the lips. Dark lips are also common in those with Blood Stasis constitution.
In the heart, symptoms may include palpitations, arrhythmia, and chest tightness, with occasional sensations of the heart stopping. The stomach may feel bloated, with frequent belching and flatulence, and discomfort upon pressure. Individuals often dislike being touched, as it causes significant discomfort. Subcutaneous capillaries are very prominent, especially in the lower limbs, and severe varicose veins may develop, leading to a higher risk of hypertension and stroke.
Examining the nails, they may be thick, hard, uneven, and show ridges or white spots, indicating high fat content in the blood. This can lead to chronic joint pain, rheumatism, and other issues. The shoulders may frequently feel sore, and headaches may occur due to insufficient blood and oxygen supply to the brain, often presenting as sharp pain. During menstruation, blood clots may be present, and the menstrual blood may be dark purple, whereas normal menstrual blood is bright red without clots. The typical menstrual flow lasts 3-5 days, with 6-8 sanitary pads used daily, each saturated to about 80%. If the flow is insufficient or the duration is short, and the blood is dark and foul-smelling, it indicates Blood Stasis leading to Qi stagnation, resulting in dark menstrual discharge and potential ectopic pregnancy. Individuals may also notice unexplained bruising and pain upon touch, as stagnation can lead to lumps forming due to poor circulation and metabolism, resulting in fibroids or cysts.
Blood Stasis constitution is characterized by impatience and a lack of tolerance. Individuals may feel anxious and forgetful, often preferring solitude and feeling melancholic. Pain is often persistent and localized, with common occurrences of dysmenorrhea, which may worsen after childbirth. Such individuals may experience early menopause or amenorrhea due to cold-induced stagnation, leading to chest pain, breast tenderness, and nodules in the breasts, as well as stomach pain. They are also prone to tumors and conditions like fatty liver, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
The primary cause of Blood Stasis constitution is related to heart issues, as the heart governs blood vessels. The kidneys are the root of Yang Qi. When the heart and kidneys fail to nourish the blood, circulation slows down. Therefore, in TCM, the regulation of Blood Stasis constitution focuses on nourishing the heart, liver, and kidneys, and consuming foods that invigorate blood circulation and Qi.
Nourishing the heart is essential, as the heart is the sovereign organ that governs consciousness. When heart Qi is deficient, it cannot govern the spirit, leading to mental confusion, especially in the elderly, where individuals may fail to recognize their relatives. If the heart cannot govern the spirit, dysfunction in the internal organs will follow.
The heart is also a delicate organ. It is sensitive to fatigue, cold, sadness, excitement, and smoke; thus, smoking should be avoided, especially secondhand smoke. The heart dislikes sweetness, as excessive sugar can lead to heart fire, causing discomfort. It also dislikes saltiness, as salty foods can harm the kidneys and, in turn, affect the heart.
The heart thrives on red foods, as well as B vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids, which can help eliminate excess saturated fats that may lead to tumors or cysts. Consuming green tea in moderation is beneficial, but it should be avoided in the afternoon due to its cold nature. The heart also enjoys sour foods, so incorporating hawthorn and vinegar into the diet is recommended, as vinegar is known to soften blood vessels. Aromatic foods are also beneficial for the heart, as pleasant scents can positively influence the heart and spleen.
Foods to avoid include fava beans, which should be strictly avoided, as they can exacerbate Qi stagnation and blood stasis. Foods high in sugar, instant noodles, and summer ice desserts should also be avoided, especially fish roe, which can elevate blood lipids, and pickled vegetables, as well as raw fish.
Recommended foods include onions, which can prevent blood clots, making them beneficial for those at risk of cerebral thrombosis. Onions soaked in red wine are particularly effective for preventing cerebral thrombosis and are considered a cancer-fighting superfood. Additionally, brown sugar can invigorate blood circulation, and rose can nourish blood and calm the mind. Peaches are also beneficial.
For regulating and unblocking meridians, it is advisable to ensure that all meridians are unblocked, as it is essential to nourish the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular hot baths are recommended, as cold can lead to stagnation, making it difficult to unblock meridians. Hot baths promote blood vessel dilation, making it easier to relieve blockages. Foot massages are also beneficial; warming the soles of the feet before bed and using a hammer to gently tap the feet can stimulate circulation.
Essential oils suitable for Blood Stasis constitution include those that promote Qi circulation and blood flow, as well as those that alleviate pain and resolve stasis. Peppermint is a top choice, along with rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, lemon, fennel, ginger, and cinnamon. These can be inhaled or used during meditation. Additionally, aromatherapy and essential oil sprays are recommended, especially for heart nourishment, which should be practiced nightly. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule of eight hours is crucial.
Engaging in social interactions and conversations is also beneficial, as speaking stimulates the vocal cords and promotes Qi movement, enhancing blood circulation. Listening to soothing music before bed can further aid relaxation. For those with Blood Stasis constitution, elevating the legs against a wall before sleep can help improve varicose veins.
Key acupoints for Blood Stasis constitution include Hegu (LI4), Qimen (LV14), Geshu (BL17), and Wushu (BL15), which are effective for invigorating blood and unblocking meridians. Unlike other constitutions, the acupoints for Blood Stasis should be pressed and rotated rather than simply massaged to stimulate effectively. Moxibustion is highly recommended, ideally for the entire body.
It is suggested to use Sanqi (Notoginseng) and Xiyangshen (American Ginseng). Combine 10 grams of Xiyangshen with 5 grams of Sanqi, ground into powder, and steep in tea. Consistent consumption can help invigorate blood circulation and resolve stasis. Additionally, making soup with 100 grams of carrot and 250 grams of goji berries, adding rice wine and a little brown sugar, can be beneficial. Blood Stasis constitution requires not only invigorating blood but also promoting Qi. Therefore, consistently using Huangqi (Astragalus) to boost Qi is essential, whether in soups, porridge, or meals. Long-term adherence is necessary, as improvement is not immediate, and health issues develop over time. It is crucial to avoid cold environments.
Small ailments should be treated, and major ailments prevented; consistent regulation will lead to improved health.
