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Introduction
“When blood stasis occurs, cerebral infarction knocks on the door,” meaning that individuals with a blood stasis constitution are more prone to diseases related to cerebral infarction. So, what is a blood stasis constitution? Can we prevent and intervene early?
Blood stasis constitution is a concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), referring to a state of poor blood circulation and blood stagnation in the body. Its main characteristics are poor blood circulation and blood stagnation.
Individuals with this constitution are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases, especially severe conditions like cerebral infarction, which requires high attention.
Blood Stasis and Cerebral Infarction[1]
TCM believes: “Qi is the commander of blood, and blood is the mother of Qi,” meaning that Qi and blood depend on each other. Qi deficiency leads to weak blood circulation, resulting in blood stagnation; at the same time, Qi deficiency can also lead to the internal generation of phlegm-dampness, further obstructing the smooth flow of meridians, causing blood circulation to be hindered, which over time forms blood stasis. This stagnation state increases the risk of cerebrovascular diseases.
Blood stasis constitution can also lead to dysfunction of the internal organs, affecting the normal flow of Qi and blood. Stagnant blood obstructs the meridians, preventing Qi and blood from nourishing the brain, leading to ischemia and hypoxia in the brain. As the condition progresses, stagnant blood may further generate heat, consume Qi, and damage body fluids, forming a vicious cycle. This pathological change is one of the important mechanisms of cerebral infarction and stroke.
Cerebral infarction and stroke are referred to as “stroke” in TCM, with the pathogenesis primarily characterized by “deficiency at the root and excess at the branch,” meaning that the deficiency of righteous Qi is the root cause, while phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the meridians are the branches. Qi deficiency and blood stasis are core pathogenesis of stroke, where Qi deficiency leads to blood stagnation, and stagnant blood obstructs the brain meridians, ultimately triggering cerebral infarction and stroke.
From a modern medical perspective, cerebral infarction is a critical condition with high incidence, mortality, disability, and recurrence rates, and its pathological basis is closely related to blood stasis constitution.
Individuals with blood stasis constitution may experience increased blood viscosity, endothelial dysfunction, and abnormal hemodynamics, which can lead to vascular wall damage, platelet aggregation, and thrombosis, subsequently causing cerebral infarction.
Characteristics of Blood Stasis[2]
01.
External Manifestations
Dull complexion: The facial skin lacks luster and appears dark.
Skin issues: Dry, rough skin prone to pigmentation, bruises, or chloasma.
Lip color: Lips appear dark or purplish.
Abnormal tongue appearance: The tongue body is purplish and dark, possibly accompanied by petechiae or ecchymosis, with varicose veins under the tongue.
Dark circles: Dark coloration around the eyes.
02.
Physical Symptoms
Pain: Localized sharp, distending, or cramping pain, with fixed pain locations that worsen at night.
Bruising: Skin easily develops purplish bruises that are difficult to resolve.
Numbness in limbs: Due to poor blood circulation, numbness in limbs may occur.
Hair and nail issues: Hair loss is common, nails may thicken, harden, or develop white stripes on the surface.
03.
Psychological Characteristics
Emotional issues: Introverted personality, prone to irritability, impatience, or long-term depression and forgetfulness.
04.
Female Manifestations
Menstrual irregularities: Women often experience dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, or menstrual blood that is purplish-black with clots.
05.
Tendency to Develop Diseases
Individuals with blood stasis constitution are more prone to the following diseases: Cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and coronary heart disease; Gynecological diseases such as uterine fibroids and dysmenorrhea; Hemorrhagic diseases such as subcutaneous bleeding and hematochezia.
06.
Environmental Adaptability
Individuals with blood stasis constitution usually do not tolerate cold well, as cold pathogens can exacerbate stagnation.
How to Prevent and Regulate Blood Stasis Constitution?[3]
Prevention and Regulation Suggestions
Dietary Regulation: Eat more foods that invigorate blood circulation and resolve stasis, such as hawthorn, onions, eggplant, brown sugar, and peach kernels, while avoiding fatty, rich, and cold foods.
Exercise: Engage in aerobic exercises such as jogging and Tai Chi, which help promote blood circulation.
Emotional Management: Maintain an optimistic mood, avoiding prolonged low spirits or excessive anxiety.
TCM Regulation: Use herbal remedies such as Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong), and Sanqi (Panax notoginseng) to help invigorate blood circulation and resolve stasis.
Regular Health Check-ups: Especially for individuals over 40, regular checks of blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar are essential to timely identify and control underlying diseases.
In summary, blood stasis constitution is a high-risk factor for cerebral infarction and other cardiovascular diseases. Through proper diet, exercise, and emotional management, the risk of disease can be effectively reduced. It is hoped that everyone pays attention to the early signals of blood stasis and actively takes measures to protect their health.
References
[1] Yang Tongsheng. Study on the Correlation between Carotid Plaque and Blood Stasis Syndrome in Patients with Cerebral Infarction [J]. World Latest Medical Information Abstracts, 2016, 16(84): 43.
[2] Li Mingxia. Study on the Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Blood Stasis Constitution in Women [D]. Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2014.
[3] Huang Jiali. Coronary Heart Disease: Misconceptions about the Blockage and Prevention of Cardiac Vessels [J]. Everyone’s Health, 2024, (33): 24-25.
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