The most potent formula for activating blood and resolving stasis, effective for all forms of blood stasis, insomnia, headaches, and palpitations!
When it comes to the study of “blood stasis” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Wang Qingren from the Qing Dynasty is undoubtedly one of the most renowned figures. He was nicknamed the “Three Strange Doctors” and was particularly fond of dissection. In that era, dissection was a taboo, but he was undeterred, dedicating himself to the study of TCM to bring benefits to the public. He spent 42 years compiling his insights into a book titled “Yilin Gai Cuo” (Corrections in the Medical Forest).
In this book, Wang Qingren not only discusses the structure of the human body but also shares many formulas for activating blood and resolving stasis that are still in use today.
Today, let’s talk about “Xuefu Zhuyu Tang” (Blood Mansion Dispersing Stasis Decoction), which is a leading formula for activating blood and resolving stasis. You can still find modern preparations of this formula in pharmacies, such as Xuefu Zhuyu capsules, pills, and granules.
This formula primarily treats blood stasis and qi stagnation in the chest, which can cause chest pain and tightness. Wang Qingren believed that the area above the diaphragm (including the lungs and heart) is the “blood mansion,” which is prone to blood stasis. Thus, he created this formula based on this theory.
Let’s take a look at the ingredients of this formula:
Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 50g, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 150g, Di Huang (Rehmannia) 150g, Chi Shao (Red Peony) 100g, Hong Hua (Safflower) 150g, Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) 200g, Fu Chao Zhi Ke (Stir-fried Bitter Orange) 100g, Gan Cao (Licorice) 50g, Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) 75g, Niu Xi (Achyranthes) 150g, Jie Geng (Platycodon) 75g.
These eleven ingredients should be crushed into a fine powder, sieved, and mixed well. For every 100g of powder, add 110-130g of honey to form large honey pills.
The herbs in this formula primarily enter the liver meridian and can activate blood circulation. Jie Geng guides the herbs upward, while Niu Xi directs the evils downward, and Gan Cao harmonizes the properties of the herbs. Dang Gui, Di Huang, and Chai Hu nourish and activate blood while clearing heat and soothing the liver. Tao Ren, Chi Shao, and Hong Hua specifically resolve stasis. Chuan Xiong not only activates blood but also promotes qi and alleviates pain. Zhi Ke regulates qi and relieves bloating. Together, Chai Hu and Zhi Ke regulate qi and activate blood, facilitating smoother blood flow.
With all these herbs combined, they can activate blood, resolve stasis, promote qi, and alleviate pain. This formula not only removes blood stasis but also resolves qi stagnation, activating blood without harming it, and resolving stasis while generating new blood. Therefore, it can be used for symptoms caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis, such as chest pain, headaches, irritability, insomnia, and temper issues.
How can you tell if this formula is suitable for you?
1. Check if the pain is fixed in one location.
2. Observe if the tongue is dark red or has stasis spots.
If both points are present and the pulse is tight or choppy, then this formula is very suitable.
This formula can treat many conditions, such as headaches, dizziness, heart and lung diseases, chest tightness, insomnia, and hiccups. As long as they are caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis, it is worth a try. Especially for those conditions that have not responded to many treatments, it may be time to consider activating blood and resolving stasis. However, pregnant women must avoid using this formula; this is crucial to remember!
(This article is for learning and reference only. The formulas mentioned should be used under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner and should not be attempted blindly.)
Words from Lao Tian
I am a disciple of Gan Zuowang, Director Tian Jinqiang, with 30 years of clinical experience, having seen too many people suffer from “eating the wrong food and nurturing the wrong diseases”.
To speak from the heart: I have seen too many patients who suffer because they are reluctant to spend money on treatment. Therefore, I just want to do my best to use the simplest and most effective methods to help everyone spend less money, cure their diseases, and avoid getting sick!
