When it comes to blood stasis, many people may have experienced it.

For instance, when accidentally bumping into a table corner, one might develop bruises that fade away after some time. However, some individuals may have no apparent injuries yet frequently notice the appearance of purple bruises. These marks appear and disappear quietly, often without causing pain, leading to a lack of attention. In fact, this is what we refer to as a blood stasis constitution.

Why Does Blood Stasis Occur?

The frequent appearance of bruises on the body is commonly referred to as blood stasis. But what exactly is stasis? In the Shuowen Jiezi, stasis is defined as accumulated blood. When blood becomes stagnant and does not circulate, it is termed blood stasis. Blood stasis is a pathological product that occurs when the blood flow within the body is obstructed.

When the blood flow is obstructed, the resulting state of blood stasis is what we commonly refer to in TCM as a blood stasis constitution. This constitution can generally be categorized into three types: Qi stagnation and blood stasis, cold coagulation and blood stasis, and heat in the blood, each with different underlying causes.

·Qi stagnation and blood stasis: The reason blood can flow freely in our body is primarily due to the heart’s pumping function, which relies on Qi to propel it. It is similar to water in a pipe, where water pressure creates the driving force. “When Qi moves, blood moves; when Qi stagnates, blood stasis occurs.” If a person has Qi stagnation, it is akin to insufficient driving force, causing blood to lose its momentum and adhere to the vessel walls, ultimately leading to blood stasis.

·Cold coagulation and blood stasis: The principle of cold coagulation and blood stasis is similar to how water freezes at sub-zero temperatures. Blood can only circulate normally within blood vessels at normal body temperature. If the body is in a cold environment, blood flow slows down, leading to the gradual formation of blood clots. Additionally, in cold conditions, blood vessels constrict, further exacerbating blood stasis.

·Heat in the blood: While cold can lead to blood stasis, excessive heat in the blood can also cause it. Blood in our body belongs to the category of Yin fluids; heat damages these fluids, leading to a reduction in body fluids and thickening of the blood. When the body is hot, the fluids are scorched, which also affects the blood. This is why individuals with heat in the body often have dark red or blackish blood when drawn.

The formation of blood stasis constitution is a pathological state that, while being one of many constitutions, is particularly susceptible to being targeted by tumors, thus warranting attention.

Blood Stasis Constitution: A Stepping Stone for Tumors – Self-Test with This Chart

In the Qing Dynasty, the Blood Evidence Theory mentions: “When blood stasis occurs between the meridians and organs, it leads to masses.” Masses refer to tumors. Blood circulates throughout the body, and if it stagnates, it can cause blockages and coagulation. Tumors exist in a state of high coagulation, which can be considered a form of blood stasis. It can be said that the formation of tumors is a gradual accumulation of blood stasis.

So how can one self-test for blood stasis constitution? You can use the chart below to assess:

Add up the scores obtained; if the total is between 24 and 32, it indicates a tendency towards blood stasis constitution. If the score is between 32 and 40, it can be determined as blood stasis constitution.

Four Methods to Regulate Blood Stasis Constitution

Blood stasis constitution is quite common, and if not regulated, it can easily lead to a vicious cycle, increasing the risk of malignant tumors. So what methods can we use to improve blood stasis constitution in daily life?

1. Eat more foods that promote Qi and invigorate blood

Foods such as hawthorn, pomelo, grapes, black beans, shiitake mushrooms, mangoes, papayas, rapeseed, seaweed, kelp, green tea, and brown sugar have the effects of invigorating blood, dispersing stasis, promoting Qi, and soothing the liver. It is advisable to consume more of these foods daily. Conversely, foods with cooling properties such as bitter melon, lily, water spinach, and dandelion should be consumed less.

2. Two medicinal dishes for regulation

Individuals with blood stasis constitution can also regulate through medicinal dishes, such as hawthorn and brown sugar soup, or black bean and Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) porridge. These ingredients have the effect of invigorating blood and dispersing stasis.

3. Increase physical exercise

To improve blood stasis constitution, it is essential to maintain a regular routine and sufficient sleep while also incorporating physical activities that promote Qi and blood movement, such as dancing, aerobics, brisk walking, and swimming. When the body is active, blood flow naturally accelerates.

4. Consider taking three types of Chinese patent medicines

To regulate blood stasis, the following Chinese patent medicines can be considered:

Compound Danshen Dripping Pills: These have the effects of invigorating blood and dispersing stasis, suitable for those with blood stasis constitution experiencing chest tightness and stabbing pain;

Xuefu Zhuyu Oral Liquid: This medicine invigorates blood, disperses stasis, and promotes Qi, suitable for those with blood stasis constitution experiencing headaches, chest pain, insomnia with vivid dreams, and palpitations;

Tongxinluo Capsules: This medicine invigorates blood, benefits Qi, and opens the meridians, suitable for those with chest discomfort, stabbing pain, palpitations, spontaneous sweating, and fatigue.

Individuals with blood stasis constitution often exhibit symptoms such as dark or bluish complexion, bruises on the face, dark circles under the eyes, dark lips, hair loss with bruises, bleeding gums when brushing teeth, forgetfulness, and irritability.

Those who identify with the characteristics of blood stasis should take early intervention in their daily lives. Blood stasis is related to many human diseases, and one should not wait until it develops into a serious condition to regret.

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