Mr. Li
Have you heard of blood stasis constitution? What does blood stasis mean?
Professional Answer
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), blood stasis refers to poor blood circulation and thick, stagnant blood.
Mr. Li
How can we determine if someone has a blood stasis constitution?
Professional Answer
First, observe physical signs: individuals with blood stasis constitution often have a dull complexion, rough skin, and may frequently experience bruising and gum bleeding.
Second, consider personality traits: those with blood stasis constitution tend to be more introverted, prone to worry and forgetfulness.
Third, look at common diseases: blood stasis constitution is prone to conditions such as stroke, chest pain, and cardiovascular diseases.
Mr. Li
Is there a more scientific method to identify this constitution?
Professional Answer
Infrared thermal imaging technology can be used for identification.Any object with a temperature above absolute zero (-273.15°C) emits infrared radiation, which is temperature-dependent. The human body is a warm-blooded animal and a natural source of biological infrared radiation. Therefore, medical infrared thermal imaging technology uses optoelectronic technology to convert surface temperature into visually discernible images and patterns, calculating temperature values to distinguish nine different constitutions.
Mr. Li
What does the infrared thermal image of blood stasis constitution look like?
Professional Answer
The infrared thermal image of blood stasis constitution shows asymmetrical heat sources on the trunk, with cold and hot areas opposing each other on the left and right or top and bottom, or localized areas being too cold or too hot, showing signs of varicose veins. The head’s heat source may exhibit localized low temperatures, asymmetry, unevenness, and slow diffusion, with significant temperature differences between the left and right forehead.
Infrared thermal image of blood stasis constitution
Mr. Li
This infrared thermal image is impressive, with clear distinctions between cold and hot areas. What dietary considerations should someone with blood stasis constitution keep in mind?
Professional Answer
Two medicinal dishes are recommended for individuals with blood stasis constitution.
The first is Peach Kernel Porridge (Tao Ren Zhou), which involves cleaning peach kernels, placing them in a pot with an appropriate amount of water, soaking for 5-10 minutes, then boiling to extract the juice, adding rice to cook porridge, and adding sugar when the porridge is cooked, boiling for another minute or two. This should be consumed once daily. Peach Kernel Porridge can invigorate blood circulation, dispel stasis, and alleviate pain, suitable for conditions like blood stasis causing menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea, trauma, and pain from blood stasis.
The second is Hawthorn and Lotus Leaf Tea (Shan Zha He Ye Cha). Use 15 grams of dried hawthorn and 10 grams of dried lotus leaf, with an appropriate amount of rock sugar, steep in water. This is suitable for individuals with mild blood stasis, as it can strengthen the spleen, lower lipids, reduce blood pressure, and aid in weight loss, preventing hypertension and arteriosclerosis. For those with weak spleen and stomach, red dates can be added, preferably boiled and consumed after meals.
Mr. Li
Are there any foods that should be avoided?
Professional Answer
Foods that are cold, sour, astringent, or greasy should be avoided, such as black plums, plums, green plums, bayberries, pomegranates, sour jujubes, lemons, and bitter melons, as they can exacerbate blood stasis. Cold and astringent foods, such as iced drinks and ice cream, should also be consumed in moderation.
Mr. Li
Should individuals with blood stasis constitution exercise more? What should be noted regarding exercise?
Professional Answer
Regular exercise can promote the circulation of Qi and blood, which is beneficial for improving blood stasis constitution.
During exercise, it is also important to maintain hydration and ensure even and deep breathing to effectively promote blood circulation throughout the body, harmonizing the Qi and blood in the meridians and organs.
Mr. Li
Professional Answer
Blood flows when warm and congeals when cold. It is essential to avoid cold stimuli; living spaces should be warm, comfortable, and well-ventilated. Daily routines should be regular, ensuring good sleep quality and duration. It is especially important to avoid staying up late, as it depletes blood and Qi, worsening the condition of those with blood stasis constitution.
Mr. Li
Not staying up late is a universal principle for health across all constitutions. Does acupressure have any effect on improving blood stasis constitution?
Professional Answer
Acupressure points recommended for blood stasis constitution include Sanyinjiao (三阴交) and Xuehai (血海).
Sanyinjiao is located 3 inches above the tip of the inner ankle, behind the inner edge of the tibia, and can regulate the liver and spleen, and adjust menstruation.
Xuehai is located on the inner side above the knee, 2 inches above the upper edge of the patella, and can regulate blood. Pressing method: use the thumb to press and knead the acupoint until a feeling of soreness and distension is achieved, for 3-5 minutes. These acupoints can also be moxibusted, by igniting one end of a moxa stick and bringing it close to the acupoint until a warm sensation is felt without burning pain, for about 10 minutes.
When pressing, use the thumb to knead the acupoint until a feeling of soreness and distension is achieved, for 3-5 minutes. Moxibustion can also be performed on the acupoint, by igniting one end of a moxa stick and bringing it close to the acupoint until a warm sensation is felt without burning pain, for about 10 minutes.
Mr. Li
Acupressure aligns perfectly with TCM constitution principles. Thank you for this “class” on nurturing blood stasis constitution!
Professional Answer
You’re welcome! Feel free to discuss more TCM and thermal imaging knowledge with me, and let’s learn together.
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