Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the treasures of the Chinese nation, and throughout the vast history of TCM, numerous masters have emerged, such as Zhang Zhongjing and Li Dongyuan. Today, we will introduce a renowned physician named “Wang Qingren,” a benevolent doctor from the Qing Dynasty who created five formulas for treating blood stasis that are still in use today.
Wang Qingren was a famous physician in the Qing Dynasty, and he authored the book Yilin Gai Cuo. This book is quite interesting as it combines Wang Qingren’s anatomical knowledge with practical TCM, making some modifications to the foundational theories of TCM by correcting what he deemed erroneous knowledge.
Wang Qingren had profound expertise in invigorating blood and resolving stasis, and the formulas he created for this purpose are enlightening.
What is Blood Stasis According to TCM?
In fact, many people have a deep understanding of blood stasis in modern medicine, which refers to the obstruction of blood flow or the formation of blood clots that block blood vessels. However, in TCM, blood stasis encompasses not only the concept of “stagnant blood” found in modern medicine but also emphasizes the “spirit” rather than just the physical form, stressing the importance of resolving blood stasis before it manifests as a disease.
The following are the diagnostic patterns of “blood stasis” in TCM:
First, Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Type. This type of blood stasis is primarily caused by Qi stagnation. As the saying goes, “When Qi flows, blood flows; when Qi stagnates, blood stasis occurs.” Since “Qi is the commander of blood, and blood is the mother of Qi,” the movement of Qi is crucial for the circulation of blood.
Patients with Qi stagnation and blood stasis often present with localized pain, distension, purpura, pale complexion, and shortness of breath. Treatment should focus on invigorating blood and resolving stasis, promoting Qi flow before addressing blood stasis.
Second, Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Type. This is distinctly different from Qi stagnation and blood stasis, as Qi deficiency blood stasis occurs due to insufficient “Qi” in the patient. Qi stagnation is due to “impaired Qi flow,” leading to inadequate blood circulation. Patients typically experience fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, and chest discomfort. Treatment should emphasize tonifying Qi and invigorating blood, with a focus on replenishing Qi before addressing blood stasis for optimal results.
Third, Blood Heat and Toxicity Type. Blood heat and toxicity refer to blood issues arising from certain pathogenic factors. When blood reaches a certain level of heat, it can scorch body fluids, leading to overly viscous blood and resulting in blood stasis.
Patients may experience localized redness, swelling, pain, itching, and even various skin diseases. Treatment should focus on clearing heat and detoxifying, as well as invigorating blood and resolving stasis.
Fourth, Cold Dampness and Stagnation Type. A simple analogy is that in winter, rivers and pipes can freeze, preventing water from flowing smoothly. This is akin to cold congealing the blood vessels, leading to blood stasis. Patients may experience localized stabbing pain, aversion to cold, cold extremities, and joint pain. Therefore, treatment should prioritize dispelling cold and dampness before invigorating blood and resolving stasis.
There are many causes of blood stasis. In TCM, blood stasis may not have reached the point of coagulation; it could simply be a reduction in blood flow speed or insufficient blood supply to a certain area, which relates to the visible blood stasis seen in modern medicine.
Is Blood Stasis the Source of All Illnesses? What Problems Can Stasis Cause?
The issues caused by blood stasis are severe, and if not addressed properly, they can affect the patient’s lifespan and overall health. Here, the physician must detail these concerns.
First, it obstructs the flow of Qi and blood. Once blood stasis occurs, it hinders the normal circulation of Qi and blood, leading to poor circulation both locally and systemically. Qi and blood are the source of nourishment and strength for the entire body; once there is a deficiency in Qi and blood, it can affect the function of organs and tissues, leading to decline or dysfunction, which should be taken seriously.
Second, it impacts hematopoietic function. In Tang Rongchuan’s discussion on blood disorders, it is mentioned that “If blood stasis does not resolve, new blood cannot be generated.” Our body has a limited capacity for blood production and does not produce blood indiscriminately. This means that if blood stasis is not resolved, new blood will not be produced, which can have a significant impact on the body.
Third, it can lead to pain and inflammation. Blood stasis reduces blood circulation, causing localized tissues to become ischemic and hypoxic, resulting in pain and discomfort. There is a saying, “Where there is flow, there is no pain; where there is pain, there is no flow,” which refers to the pain caused by blood stasis, often manifesting as stabbing pain. Prolonged blood stasis may also lead to inflammation, worsening the condition, which aligns with modern medical understanding.
Additionally, it can accelerate bodily aging. Blood stasis disrupts the excretion of waste and toxins from the body, potentially accelerating the aging of tissues and organs, and making pathological changes such as thrombosis and nodules more likely, which can lead to issues like myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction. Therefore, it is essential to invigorate blood and resolve stasis to delay aging.
What Are Wang Qingren’s Five Blood-Invigorating Formulas?
In the field of invigorating blood and resolving stasis, Wang Qingren has significant expertise. Let’s take a look at his formulas critically.
1. Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (Blood Mansion Removing Stasis Decoction). This formula primarily consists of Honghua (Safflower), Shengdi (Raw Rehmannia), and Taoren (Peach Kernel), targeting blood stasis in the upper jiao, specifically the heart and lungs. In clinical practice, it can be used under a physician’s guidance for chest pain.
2. Ge Xia Zhu Yu Decoction (Below the Diaphragm Removing Stasis Decoction). The main herbs include Danggui (Angelica Sinensis) and Taoren (Peach Kernel), primarily addressing blood stasis and accumulation in the abdominal organs, particularly in the middle jiao, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, stomach, and intestines. If you experience stabbing pain in the abdomen or have a diagnosis of blood stasis, this formula can be used.
3. Shaofu Zhu Yu Decoction (Lower Abdomen Removing Stasis Decoction). This formula targets blood stasis in the lower abdomen, which is located above the pubic bone and below the navel. It is effective for conditions such as lower abdominal cramping pain or palpable masses, and it can also treat blood stasis in the uterus and ovaries in women.
4. Shen Tong Zhu Yu Decoction (Body Pain Removing Stasis Decoction). This formula is aimed at general body pain, particularly in the lower back and legs, related to meridian and blood flow issues. It includes herbs like Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula Root) and Dilong (Earthworm) to promote meridian circulation and alleviate pain.
5. Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction (Open Orifices and Invigorate Blood Decoction). This formula combines TCM with modern anatomical knowledge. Wang Qingren discovered the importance of the brain orifices through anatomical studies and formulated this decoction, which is effective for treating cerebral infarction and blood stasis headaches.
In summary, blood stasis is the source of all illnesses. The presence of blood stasis in the body can lead to various issues in organs and tissues. Therefore, invigorating blood and resolving stasis is crucial. Please use blood-invigorating formulas under the guidance of a physician to improve Qi and blood circulation.
Any medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional physician to avoid harm from indiscriminate use.
Wishing everyone good health and happiness
A safe and joyful life
