The Root of All Illness: Discussing Blood Stasis

Editor’s Note

1. The Root of All Illness is Blood StasisHuman lifespan depends on the longevity of various systems (tissues and organs), and the lifespan of these systems is determined by their rate of aging. So, what fundamentally affects the aging rate of these systems? It is the degree of obstruction in the meridians!The most basic characteristic of life is metabolism, which relies on a healthy circulation of Qi and blood—”Blood and Qi are the spirit of a person.” When Qi and blood flow smoothly through the vessels, nourishing the entire body, the body’s functions can operate effectively. The meridians serve as the channels for Qi and blood, connecting the internal organs to the limbs and bones. Once the meridians are obstructed, Qi and blood stagnate, leading to disharmony in the organs and the emergence of various diseases.For example:When “stasis” occurs in the majority of the collaterals and the liver, gallbladder, and stomach meridians, it can lead to hypertension;When “stasis” occurs in the blood vessels of the brain and the meridians circulating in the head, it can lead to cerebral arteriosclerosis;When “stasis” occurs in the blood vessels of the heart and the heart and pericardium meridians, it can lead to cardiovascular diseases;When “stasis” occurs in the pancreas and spleen-stomach meridians, it can lead to diabetes;If “stasis” persists for too long and is widespread, it can form tumors;Thus, traditional Chinese medicine states: all diseases arise from stasis, and the process of aging and death in the human body is a continuous process of meridian obstruction. Generally speaking, by the age of 50, the body can experience over 50% obstruction, leading to rapid aging; by the age of 70 or 80, the obstruction can reach 70-80%, indicating that life is nearing its end.

In “Corrections in Medical Practice (Yi Lin Gai Cuo)”, Wang Qingren provides a detailed description of the internal structure of the human body and the functions of the organs, particularly regarding blood stasis. He believes that blood stasis is caused by the stagnation of Qi and blood, which is one of the causes of various diseases. He proposed a series of methods to treat blood stasis, such as invigorating blood circulation and resolving stasis.Specifically, Wang Qingren discovered through dissection that there are many pathological products such as blood stasis, hematomas, and thrombosis within the human body. He believes that these pathological products are caused by the stagnation of Qi and blood, leading to dysfunction of the organs, disharmony of Qi and blood, and the internal generation of phlegm and turbidity, resulting in various diseases. Therefore, he proposed a series of methods to treat blood stasis, such as invigorating blood circulation and resolving stasis. These methods are still widely used in clinical practice today.2. Why are “Nine out of Ten Women Have Blood Stasis”?Firstly, Qi is the commander of blood; blood circulation relies on Qi to propel it. The liver governs the smooth flow of Qi, and when the liver’s function is normal, Qi can flow smoothly, allowing for the harmony of Qi and blood.Modern women often juggle careers and family, leading to significant stress, which can result in various negative emotions. When emotions are suppressed for a long time, it can lead to liver Qi stagnation, causing blood circulation to become obstructed, resulting in blood stasis, which is often related to menstrual irregularities.Secondly, many women exhibit symptoms of Qi deficiency; without sufficient Qi, blood circulation becomes weak, leading to blood stasis over time.Thirdly, women often have Yang deficiency, with a constitution that is inherently cold. Additionally, women tend to prioritize appearance, often wearing cool clothing even in spring and autumn, which can lead to blood coagulation due to cold exposure, resulting in blood stasis.Fourthly, external injuries, including falls and surgeries, can also cause blood flow obstruction and local blood stagnation, leading to blood stasis. The most common example is cesarean sections, where many women still have blood stasis years after childbirth.

3. Ten Common Manifestations of Blood Stasis1. Facial pigmentation.2. Dull complexion, dark lips.3. Purple or dark spots on the tongue surface, with bluish-purple veins under the tongue. This is the simplest and most feasible method to determine if there is blood stasis in the body.4. Deviated tongue tip. The direction the tongue tip deviates indicates which side of the head has blood blockage.5. Dry mouth but unable to drink. Due to the presence of blood stasis, Qi cannot circulate smoothly, preventing fluids from reaching the mouth, leading to dryness. Additionally, individuals with blood stasis often feel a sense of fullness in the abdomen, making it difficult to drink water.6. Rough, dry skin that is prone to bleeding, with some individuals having dry, scaly skin on their legs.7. Dark menstrual flow, blood clots, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and abnormal uterine bleeding.8. Abdominal masses (benign tumors).9. Numbness in hands and feet.10. Pain points in certain areas of the body, especially abdominal pain or fullness.What should we do if we have these issues? The first recommendation is moxibustion!Blood flows when heated; moxibustion is inherently suitable for resolving stasis! The “Suwen” states: “Blood in the vessels, if congealed and stagnant, cannot be removed without fire treatment.” This shows that blood has the characteristic of “flowing when heated and coagulating when cold.” Moxa is a pure Yang substance, suitable for treating cold deficiency, and can dispel cold. Additionally, the heat generated during moxibustion can penetrate the body through acupuncture points, invigorating blood circulation and resolving stasis.Firstly, moxibustion resolves stasis without harming new blood and opens obstructions without damaging the vital Qi. Many herbal medicines can invigorate blood circulation and resolve stasis, but they often have two drawbacks: one is that they can harm new blood during the process, and the other is that they can deplete Qi when resolving obstructions.Secondly, moxibustion is different; compared to blood-invigorating herbal medicines, moxibustion not only does not harm blood or deplete Qi but also has a dual regulatory effect—invigorating blood circulation and resolving stasis while simultaneously nourishing blood and Qi, harmonizing the entire body’s Qi mechanism and revitalizing blood circulation.Thirdly, moxibustion is suitable for all constitutions; individuals with blood stasis can all use it. When using herbal medicines, one must consider the patient’s constitution and the cause of blood stasis (whether it is due to liver Qi stagnation, Qi deficiency, or cold coagulation) before prescribing the appropriate remedy. Moxibustion does not require such considerations and is suitable for all causes of blood stasis, making it very convenient.For these three reasons, moxibustion undoubtedly becomes the highest-grade therapy for resolving stasis.There are six commonly used acupuncture points for invigorating blood circulation: Ge Shu (Pangguang), He Gu (LI4), Qu Chi (LI11), Xue Hai (SP10), Zu San Li (ST36), and San Yin Jiao (SP6). These points are interconnected and closely related to the internal organs, reflecting the functions of the entire body’s blood vessels and nerves. Regular moxibustion can promote overall blood circulation and prevent the formation of blood stasis.At the same time, considering the different causes of blood stasis, the selection of acupuncture points varies:For Qi stagnation and blood stasis: add moxibustion at Gan Shu (BL18), Qi Men (LR14), Tai Chong (LR3);For Qi deficiency and blood stasis: add moxibustion at Dan Zhong (RN17), Zhong Wan (RN12), Qi Hai (RN6), Guan Yuan (RN4);For cold coagulation and blood stasis: add moxibustion at Ming Men (DU4), Shen Shu (BL23), Shen Que (RN8), Guan Yuan (RN4);For blood stasis caused by external injuries, direct moxibustion on the affected area for more than 30 minutes daily can not only reduce inflammation and kill bacteria but also prevent tetanus and resolve stasis and swelling. Additionally, avoid applying ice to the affected area to prevent cold evil from entering the body.What other benefits does resolving stasis have?1. It can improve melasma; resolving stasis is a prerequisite for health and beauty—”Stasis in the body is disease, stasis on the face is spots.” Due to sunlight and other reasons, melasma can darken in summer, and moxibustion in early autumn can significantly lighten the color and reduce the area of melasma.2. It can regulate and cure gynecological issues. “Cold is the main cause of women’s diseases”; gynecological diseases are often due to cold evil entering the body or due to spleen and kidney Yang deficiency, liver Qi stagnation, phlegm-damp obstruction, etc., leading to cold coagulation and blood stasis in the uterus. For example, menstrual issues such as dysmenorrhea, postpartum wind, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and pelvic polyps. Moxibustion in early autumn can tonify Yang and dispel cold, improving women’s cold deficiency symptoms and promoting pelvic blood circulation, thoroughly eliminating gynecological issues!Deficiency and cold are the main factors leading to stasis and are also the most common issues for women. At this time, moxibustion can tonify deficiency, assist Yang, warm the interior, dispel cold, and eliminate stasis, providing countless benefits!Source: “Nanning Chooses Traditional Chinese Medicine” WeChat Official Account

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