“Blood stasis” causes hundreds of diseasesStasis means blockage! A series of blockages such as qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm accumulation, and dampness aggregation lead to dysfunction of the organs, disharmony of qi and blood, and accumulation of turbid pathogens, which in turn results in various diseases, even leading to cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, women’s dysmenorrhea, and skin blemishes.When it comes to cancer and tumors, many people believe they are related to genetics. However, TCM considers tumors to fall under the category of “stasis accumulation.” So, what is “stasis accumulation”? It is the process by which invisible pathogenic factors gradually accumulate into tangible substances. Although there are many causes for tumor formation, TCM believes that the primary cause is still “blood stasis.”When there is stagnant blood in the body that is not expelled or dissipated in time, it manifests as bruising, which is actually an early sign of blood stasis. If bruises appear inexplicably or do not dissipate for a long time, it is mostly due to poor blood circulation, resulting in blood stasis in the meridians, tissues, and organs.
Causes of “stasis” in TCM1. Insufficient Yang QiThe circulation of blood in the body relies on the propulsion of Yang Qi. If the Yang Qi in the blood is insufficient, the blood will stagnate and not flow.As stated in the “Su Wen: On the True Evil of Separation and Combination”: “Cold causes blood to congeal and weep.” When blood becomes thick and unable to nourish the body, it becomes stasis.2. Heat injures blood vesselsThe vessels are the residence of blood, and blood circulates within the vessels. If heat pathogens damage the blood vessels during the circulation of blood, the vessels cannot contain the blood, causing it to overflow and stagnate, thus forming blood stasis.3. Qi stagnationQi is the commander of blood; when qi flows, blood flows. If qi stagnates, blood stasis occurs. Emotional distress or other factors can hinder the flow of qi, leading to stagnation and resulting in blood not flowing and becoming stasis.4. External injuryExcessive force, falls, and bruises inevitably damage the meridians. When the meridians are injured and rupture, blood spills outside the vessels and stagnates, forming blood stasis.
What are the symptoms of blood stasis?1. Pain“When there is flow, there is no pain; when there is pain, there is no flow.” The presence of blood stasis in the body will inevitably cause obstruction in the meridians, leading to pain.The characteristics of pain caused by blood stasis include: sharp, stabbing pain, localized pain, pain that resists pressure, and generally worsening pain at night.2. MassesMasses are a common manifestation of blood stasis. When blood stagnates in a localized area and does not dissipate over time, it forms a mass. Hematomas after injuries are examples of blood stasis, which is easily understood. In fact, various cysts and tumors we commonly refer to are also caused by blood stasis.3. Dark complexion and skin bruisingIndividuals with a blood stasis constitution often have a darker complexion, especially around the eyes, nose, and lips, which may appear purplish. The tongue may have red or purplish spots. If blood stasis cannot be eliminated for a long time, it prevents the essence and blood from nourishing the skin and meridians, leading to skin issues such as thickened or leathery skin. The pulse may be thin, rough, deep, or knotted.
Treatment for blood stasis primarily involves methods to invigorate blood circulation and resolve stasisWhen blood stasis symptoms appear, treatment should focus on invigorating blood and dispersing stasis. Commonly used herbs include Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Carthamus (Hong Hua), Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Frankincense (Ru Xiang), Myrrh (Mo Yao), Achyranthes (Niu Xi), Plantago (Ze Lan), Salvia (Dan Shen), etc. Formulas such as Blood Mansion Dispersing Stasis Pill (Xue Fu Zhu Yu Wan), Peach Blossom Four Substance Decoction (Tao Hong Si Wu Tang), Peach Kernel Purging Decoction (Tao Ren Cheng Qi Tang), and Rhubarb and Insect Pill (Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan) are used to treat various conditions of blood stasis in different parts of the body, showing excellent therapeutic effects.Moreover, TCM emphasizes that chronic diseases often involve blood stasis. In the chronic phase of many diseases, various syndromes may be accompanied by blood stasis. The use of methods to invigorate blood and resolve stasis has significant clinical application value. Here are several commonly used formulas for invigorating blood and resolving stasis in TCM clinical practice:Invigorate blood and relieve pain: Blood Mansion Dispersing Stasis Decoction (Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang) or Invigorating Collaterals and Efficacious Pill (Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan);Benefit qi and open collaterals: Restore Yang and Five Decoction (Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang);Break blood and disperse stasis: Rhubarb and Insect Pill (Da Huang Shu Chong Wan);Transform stasis, clear heat, and cool blood: Peach Kernel Purging Decoction (Tao Ren Cheng Qi Tang) or Immortal Formula for Life (Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin);Disperse stasis and generate new: Lower Abdomen Dispersing Stasis Decoction (Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang);Invigorate blood and stop bleeding: Holy Healing Decoction (Sheng Yu Tang);Transform stasis, relieve pain, and restore tendons and bones: Seven Principles Powder (Qi Li San) and Trauma Pill (Die Da Wan);Disperse cold and eliminate stasis: Warm Meridian Decoction (Wen Jing Tang);Clear heat toxins and transform stasis: Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction (Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang);Transform stasis and promote diuresis: Angelica and Peony Powder (Dang Gui Shao Yao San);Transform phlegm and eliminate stasis: Invigorating Blood Formula with Pinellia, Atractylodes, and Gastrodia Decoction (Huo Xue Fang Jia Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang), or Phlegm-Dissolving Decoction (Ding Zhi Tang) or Warm Gallbladder Decoction (Wen Dan Tang).There are also formulas like Salvia Decoction (Dan Shen Yin), Lost Laughter Powder (Shi Xiao San), Four Wonderful Tranquilizing Decoction (Si Miao Yong An Tang), and Peach Blossom Four Substance Decoction (Tao Hong Si Wu Tang).
TCM emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment, so while proprietary Chinese medicines may be suitable for most people, they may not be suitable for everyone. The same type of disease can manifest differently in different individuals due to variations in constitution, symptoms, and severity.Therefore, the proprietary Chinese medicines mentioned above should not be self-prescribed. It is essential to follow the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner who can observe, listen, inquire, and palpate to differentiate syndromes and adjust prescriptions based on individual constitution to achieve rapid effects in invigorating blood and resolving stasis.【Disclaimer】: Articles reproduced from other platforms or media will be credited to the source and author, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the content, whether express or implied, and it is for reference only. This public account is for learning and appreciation purposes only and not for any commercial profit. If there is any infringement, please contact this platform and provide relevant proof of the page, and we will correct the source and author or delete the article based on the copyright owner’s opinion, and we do not bear any other responsibility.