Blood stasis is a significant issue that requires attention. Blood stasis in the head can lead to cerebral infarction, in the heart to myocardial infarction, and in the legs to varicose veins… Blood stasis in any part of the body results in various adverse conditions.
Invigorating blood and resolving stasis is a lifelong task for individuals with a blood stasis constitution.
In ancient times, there was an expert in invigorating blood and resolving stasis named Wang Qingren. He transitioned from martial arts to medicine and had a profound understanding of Qi and blood, even authoring a book titled “Yilin Gai Cuo,” which is highly recommended for reading. This book contains five famous formulas for resolving blood stasis, addressing issues from head to toe.
Next, we will sequentially explore these five formulas from head to toe:
1. Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction, primarily used for blood stasis in the head and face.
Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction: Chi Shao (Red Peony) 3g, Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage) 3g, Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) 9g, Hong Hua (Safflower) 9g, Lao Cong (Scallion) 3g, Hong Zao (Red Date) 5 pieces, She Xiang (Musk) 0.15g (in silk bag), Huang Jiu (Yellow Wine) 250g.
Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction
As the name suggests, this formula is specifically designed to open the orifices. The human body has nine orifices: two eyes, two nostrils, two ears, one mouth, and the anterior and posterior yin, totaling nine. Seven of these orifices are located in the head and face. Therefore, blood stasis in the head and face is well-suited for treatment with Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction.
The reason it can open the orifices is primarily due to the inclusion of She Xiang (Musk). The penetrating power of musk is unparalleled, but it is quite expensive and generally unaffordable for most people. As an alternative, Bing Pian (Borneol) can be used, but in larger quantities, with slightly reduced effectiveness.
There are several common applications:
1. Hair loss due to blood stasis. When blood flow to the head is obstructed, fresh blood cannot nourish the hair, leading to hair loss. The sides of the head are governed by the liver and gallbladder, which regulate the flow of Qi and blood. If Qi and blood are blocked, the liver and gallbladder meridians become stagnant, resulting in graying hair.
2. Hearing loss and tinnitus. Hearing loss and tinnitus are not necessarily related to kidney issues; they may also be caused by Qi and blood stasis. If Qi and blood cannot reach the orifice of the ear, tinnitus and hearing loss can occur.
3. Chronic, stubborn headaches. This type of pain, akin to being pricked by needles, is actually a blood stasis headache. In TCM, the head is also considered a major orifice; since there is blood stasis in the orifice, Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction will certainly be effective for treating blood stasis headaches.
Additionally, conditions such as penile pain in urology, male prostate issues, and hemorrhoidal bleeding, diagnosed as caused by blood stasis, can also be treated with Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction.
Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction can also treat many conditions, such as pediatric malnutrition, vitiligo, rosacea, and women’s blood deficiency. In summary, when encountering symptoms of blood stasis, especially in the orifices, using Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction is a reliable choice.
2. Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction, focusing on blood stasis in the chest.
Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction: Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) 12g, Hong Hua (Safflower) 9g, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 9g, Sheng Di (Rehmannia) 9g, Chi Shao (Red Peony) 6g, Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage) 5g, Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange) 6g, Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 3g, Niu Xi (Achyranthes) 9g, Jie Geng (Platycodon) 5g, Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-Fried Licorice) 3g.
This is Wang Qingren’s most famous formula. “Xuefu” refers to the chest, as it is the area where blood gathers. Therefore, blood stasis issues in the chest are commonly treated with Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction.
Since this has been previously introduced, it will not be elaborated further.
Further reading: The most powerful formulas for invigorating blood and resolving stasis, easily addressing 19 types of diseases.
3. Ge Xia Zhu Yu Decoction, focusing on blood stasis in the upper abdomen.
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Decoction: Wu Ling Zhi (Flying Squirrel Feces) 9g, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 9g, Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage) 6g, Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) 9g, Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) 6g, Chi Shao (Red Peony) 6g, Wu Yao (Lindera) 6g, Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis) 3g, Xiang Fu (Cyperus) 3g, Hong Hua (Safflower) 9g, Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange) 5g, Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-Fried Licorice) 9g.
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Decoction
“Ge Xia” refers to the area below the diaphragm and above the navel, which includes the liver, stomach, spleen, and small intestine. Blood stasis issues in these areas are suitable for treatment with Ge Xia Zhu Yu Decoction.
Wang Qingren believed that pain in the area below the diaphragm is primarily related to the liver. The liver meridian runs through the chest and lateral abdomen, with branches in the abdominal cavity, and is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and blood. Therefore, blood stasis pain in this area is often associated with liver meridian obstruction.
For this reason, Wang Qingren added Xiang Fu, Zhi Ke, Yan Hu Suo, and Wu Yao, which are herbs that travel through the liver meridian, to the commonly used blood-invigorating herbs. The goal is to promote Qi, alleviate pain, and unblock the liver meridian’s Qi and blood, thereby resolving blood stasis in the area below the diaphragm and achieving pain relief.
4. Shaofu Zhu Yu Decoction, focusing on blood stasis in the lower abdomen.
Shaofu Zhu Yu Decoction: Xiao Hui Xiang (Fennel) 1.5g, Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) 3g, Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis) 3g, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 9g, Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage) 3g, Guo Gui (Cinnamon) 3g, Chi Shao (Red Peony) 6g, Pu Huang (Cat Tail Pollen) 9g, Wu Ling Zhi (Flying Squirrel Feces) 6g.
Shaofu Zhu Yu Decoction
The “Shaofu” refers to the area below the navel, where the uterus, ovaries, and prostate are located. Blood stasis conditions in the lower abdomen, such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, dysmenorrhea, infertility, and prostate enlargement, fall within the treatment scope of Shaofu Zhu Yu Decoction.
In addition to resolving blood stasis, it can also disperse cold Qi. Many women find their lower abdomen feels cool, which is often due to excess cold Qi. When cold Qi accumulates, Qi and blood stagnate, leading to cold-induced blood stasis. Consequently, dysmenorrhea, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and a series of gynecological issues may arise. For those with cold-induced blood stasis in the lower abdomen, the first choice is Shaofu Zhu Yu Decoction.
This formula not only resolves blood stasis but also features Xiao Hui Xiang, Gan Jiang, and Guo Gui, which are three warming herbs that can warm the lower abdomen and expel cold pathogens, fundamentally addressing the issue.
5. Shen Tong Zhu Yu Decoction, for treating blood stasis throughout the body.
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Decoction: Qin Jiao (Gentiana) 3g, Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage) 6g, Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) 9g, Hong Hua (Safflower) 9g, Qiang Huo (Notopterygium) 3g, Mo Yao (Myrrh) 6g, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 9g, Wu Ling Zhi (Flying Squirrel Feces) 6g, Xiang Fu (Cyperus) 3g, Niu Xi (Achyranthes) 9g, Di Long (Earthworm) 6g, Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-Fried Licorice) 6g.
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Decoction
As the name suggests, this formula can address pain throughout the body. Whether it is shoulder pain, arm pain, or back pain, if the diagnosis indicates blood stasis, Shen Tong Zhu Yu Decoction can be utilized.
Pain in the limbs often involves not only blood stasis but also factors such as wind, dampness, and meridian obstruction. Therefore, based on blood-invigorating herbs, Wang Qingren added Qin Jiao, Qiang Huo, and Di Long, which are specifically used to address wind, dampness, and meridian obstruction issues.
The five blood-invigorating and stasis-resolving formulas mentioned above are treasures left by Wang Qingren for future generations, capable of addressing blood stasis from head to toe. Among them, Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction is the most powerful, while the other four formulas also possess excellent stasis-resolving abilities, each specializing in different areas.
Finally, it is important to remind everyone that all blood-invigorating and stasis-resolving formulas can harm the righteous Qi and may also affect the spleen and stomach. Therefore, these formulas should only be taken when appropriate and not for prolonged periods; individuals with Qi and blood deficiency or poor spleen and stomach function should use them cautiously.
If you are unsure, you can use these five formulas for foot baths, which also have blood-invigorating and stasis-resolving effects, although they may take longer to show results.
Recommended Learning
1. Introduction to Basic TCM
2. Nine Major Constitution Adjustment Plans
3. 100 Commonly Used Chinese Herbs Explained
4. 100 Classic Common Formulas
5. 365 Common Disease Adjustments
As a moderate person, I am neither knowledgeable about astronomy nor geography. This account aims to promote TCM culture and is not a platform for seeking medical advice. The formulas shared here are for learning and exchange purposes; please do not use them blindly.
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