Blood Stasis Constitution
A constitution characterized by poor Blood circulation, which pools and stagnates, forming Blood Stasis (血瘀, xuè yū). Qi moves the Blood; when Qi stagnates or is deficient, Blood stagnates as well, producing fixed pain and dark manifestations.
Description
A constitution characterized by poor Blood circulation, which pools and stagnates, forming Blood Stasis (血瘀, xuè yū). Qi moves the Blood; when Qi stagnates or is deficient, Blood stagnates as well, producing fixed pain and dark manifestations.
Physical and emotional traits
Physical
- Dark or dull complexion, lacking luster
- Dark spots on the skin or irregular pigmentation
- Purple or violet lips and gums
- Visible dark-colored veins on the skin
- Pronounced dark under-eye circles
- Tendency to bruise easily
- Dark or violet-colored nails
Emotional
- Tendency toward depression or melancholy
- Underlying anxiety
- Irritability when pain is intense
- Reduced memory and concentration
- Introversion and emotional reserve
- Intermittent pessimism
Common symptoms
- Fixed, stabbing pain (刺痛, cì tòng)
- Pain that worsens at night
- Dark menstruation with clots (in women)
- Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
- Varicose veins and spider veins
- Palpitations or arrhythmias
- Memory loss
- Dry, flaky skin
- Ribs with a feeling of oppression or pain
- Tongue
- Purple or dark, with stasis spots (瘀斑, yū bān) or petechiae, dilated and dark sublingual veins
- Pulse
- Choppy (涩脉, sè mài) or wiry (弦脉), irregular or intermittent
Tendencies and vulnerabilities
- Cardiovascular diseases (angina, heart attack)
- Stroke
- Tumors and benign masses
- Endometriosis and uterine fibroids
- Chronic rheumatic diseases
- Thrombosis and clotting problems
Diet
Favor foods that activate Blood circulation and dissolve Stasis. Use cooking techniques that preserve nutrients. Include dark and purple-colored foods. Avoid astringent foods or those that slow circulation.
Favor
- Apple cider vinegar (活血, activates the Blood)
- Turmeric (activates circulation with its curcuminoids)
- Blueberries, blackberries and wild berries
- Red wine in small amounts
- Onion and garlic (move the blood)
- Salmon and sardines (anticoagulant Omega-3)
- Red bell pepper
- Beetroot
- Dark chocolate (>70%)
- Shiitake and maitake mushrooms
Moderate
- Very cold foods (they chill and stagnate the Blood)
- Excess saturated fats
- Processed meats
- Excess salt (thickens the Blood)
- Excess refined sugar
Lifestyle, exercise and emotions
Regular physical activity to move the Blood. Avoid prolonged inactivity. Don't sit for hours at a time. Circulation-boosting massage. Avoid extreme cold (it constricts the vessels and worsens Stasis). Stress management.
- Brisk walking (the most recommended)
- Tai Chi Chuan (moves Qi and Blood harmoniously)
- Swimming
- Dynamic yoga
- Dancing (moves Qi and Blood throughout the body)
- Acupressure massage with emphasis on circulation points
Sadness and resentment stagnate Qi and Blood. Express emotions in a healthy way. Emotional therapy if there is accumulated trauma. Cultivate joy and movement. Avoid isolation.
Seasonal advice
- Spring
- The Liver moves the Blood; take advantage of spring to activate circulation. Green and sour foods. Aerobic exercise.
- Summer
- Heat dilates the vessels. A good season for circulation. Moderate activity. Hydration.
- Autumn
- The cold begins to contract; protect circulation. Warm and activating foods. Keep exercising.
- Winter
- Higher risk of Stasis due to cold. Moderate indoor exercise. Hot baths. Foods that warm and move the blood (turmeric, garlic).
Associated herbs and formulas
Herbs that tradition associates
Herbs usually avoided
Formulas
Herbs and formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals: they can interact with medications.
Acupressure points
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
