Among a crowd, the person with the brightest and most radiant skin that seems to glow—
Surely, that is not me.
Every time I look in the mirror, I feel like the mirror is deceiving me:
Why is my skin getting darker? I apply sunscreen every day, and when I go out, I cover up so much that even my mother wouldn’t recognize me. The key is, a few years ago, I wasn’t this dark in the summer; what is the problem now? Has the spirit of Bao Qingtian possessed me?
As the afternoon progresses, my complexion becomes duller, what is going on?
When did these spots on my face sneak up on me?
No matter how much concealer I use, I can’t hide these prominent dark circles…
And I often have these confusions:
When did I bump my leg? How did a bruise suddenly appear? Upon closer inspection, there are also some on my arm; did I bump into a door frame while sleepwalking?
Why are there so many purple, thick veins under my tongue? It’s terrifying.
So annoying, what day is it today? It seems like there is something important to do, but I can’t remember.Looks like I really need to carry a notebook to jot things down next time.
Dear fairy, do you share the same troubles as I do? If so, don’t worry, this is just the so-called “Blood Stasis Constitution”.
Blood Stasis Constitution, blood is not necessarily deficient
But it is definitely blocked
Blood Stasis Constitution: A type of constitution characterized by poor blood circulation, with manifestations such as dull skin tone and a purple-dark tongue.
When blood flows slowly, it can easily turn purple or black, leading to pigmentation, hence the dull complexion, transforming fair skin into olive skin. Blood stagnation under the eyes results in dark circles, and stagnation under the tongue causes purple veins. When Qi and blood circulation is obstructed, bruises can easily appear wherever there is impact, and one may also feel emotionally distressed.
In summary, the blood in our body may not be deficient, but it is definitely more stagnant. If the old blockages are not removed, simply supplementing blood will not be effective and may even cause problems.
Why do we experience this?
It could be due to congenital factors or acquired injuries, emotional stagnation, or prolonged illness.
So what should we do?
First, let’s discuss the general direction: invigorate blood circulation and eliminate stasis, and unblock the meridians.
Invigorating Blood and Eliminating Stasis Tea Recipe
Just like a river blocked by silt, we need to clear the silt for the clear water to flow in.
In terms of diet, we can consume more ingredients that invigorate blood circulation and unblock channels.
For example, regularly drink rose tea, or infuse saffron in water. Or eat black beans, hawthorn, black fungus, and rapeseed. Avoid consuming too many astringent, cold, or frozen foods.
A suitable tea for blood stasis constitution to drink occasionally:
5 grams of hawthorn, 2 grams of rose, and 1 gram of safflower, wash them and place them in a health pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and start the tea-making mode. Drink it, it has a sour taste, accompanied by the fragrance of flowers, it’s wonderful.
Effects: Invigorates blood circulation, eliminates stasis, regulates Qi and aids digestion, suitable for those with melasma on the face and emotional distress.Not suitable for pregnant women and during menstruation.
In terms of exercise, it is recommended to engage in at least half an hour of exercise daily. If possible, try yoga or dance, if not, just take brisk walks until your hands and feet feel warm, and you feel a sense of smoothness throughout your body. Just be cautious of the heat during this hot weather.
We also need to examine
Where our spirit is blocked
Classical Chinese medicine states that all physical and mental illnesses begin with intangible spirit disturbances, obstructing the flow of Qi and blood, ultimately reflecting on the physical level.
For those with blood stasis constitution, where have you blocked your “spirit”? In a relationship? In a job? In a role? In an environment?
Over the past three years, I have trapped myself in a role called “perfect mother”.
From the moment I learned of my child’s arrival, I set a FLAG for myself to be a perfect mother. During pregnancy, I systematically read books and studied traditional Chinese parenting and child psychology. No one expected that after being a poor student for over 20 years, I would have such a moment.
I declined all social activities, transforming from a woman who frequented malls, cafes, and cinemas into a housewife who only prepared food for her child.
As someone who loves beauty, I could disregard my figure for my child’s nourishment; my brother said I looked robust from behind, like a man.
My eyes were only on the child; I only wanted to give “perfectly” and was willing to sacrifice everything.
Indeed, pregnancy and childbirth can transform a person into another version of themselves. Adorable, joyful, frightening, and lamentable.
When my child fell ill, I would constantly reflect on the cause of the illness, blaming myself for not taking good care of him. I even empathized with my child; when he had a stomach ache, I felt pain too; when he was congested, I was congested; when he had a fever, I had a fever.
In countless sleepless nights, I continuously condemned my own imperfections. The perfect mother made me feel both sweet and bitter, trapping me in a narrow dead end with no chance of turning back.
For a while, I didn’t even want to look in the mirror; my dark circles were so prominent, my skin was dull, and my eyes lacked luster. After learning about traditional Chinese parenting, I paid attention to various aspects, avoiding rich and greasy foods, going to bed early, and exercising, yet my state resembled someone who had stayed up for several nights. This intangible “stagnation and rigidity” in my spirit ultimately reflected in my body.
How did I change? This story is long, but actually quite simple.
I bid farewell to the role of the perfect mother. No longer demanding perfection, but rather learning to take it easy. I am a mother, but more importantly, I am myself. Making friends, reading, learning, pursuing hobbies, exercising, and working… these have all flushed out the stagnation, bringing in fresh blood, allowing me to come alive again, becoming increasingly vibrant.
I still fulfill my responsibilities, but I also need my own time and space; the child belongs to himself, and the father and the entire family. My past tendency to take on everything was irresponsible to myself and to the entire family and child.
How can a mother who is irresponsible to herself be a “perfect mother”? In a moment of thought, everything changed.
It must be said that those of us with blood stasis constitution are very adept at creating shackles to confine ourselves, creating stagnation. For example, “stereotypes”. Boys must look like boys, girls must be virtuous, accountants must be meticulous, and lawyers must be calculating.
No, one identity can have various forms. Just like a perfect mother can also be a trendy girl, a rebel, a housewife, or a career woman… one can wear a qipao with Martin boots or don a flowing Hanfu. We can be anything.
So, if you also feel “blocked”, then you need to find that dead end you set for yourself and see through its tricks. Unblock the riverbed of stagnation, allowing the clear water to meander; in fact, it was originally blue skies and clear waters, free and easy.
It takes time, that’s okay, I will wait for you; it takes courage, that’s okay, I will accompany you; breaking through the silt will give you stronger wings to soar in the sky, this is your true self.
Author’s Bio: Taozi, student of the Yang Dad ABC course, a happy mother, and a fan of Yang Dad.Text | Taozi Editor | Xiao Ya Proofreader | Xue Jian Illustration | Jasmine Red & Alaya Consciousness