TCM · Blood Stasis · Clinical Monograph
Blood Stasis in Chinese Medicine
Causes, symptoms, and treatment options — including Hijama Therapy
§ Abstract
Blood stasis, also known as blood stagnation, is a common concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine that refers to the accumulation or stagnation of blood in the body’s channels or vessels. It is believed to be an underlying factor in many chronic diseases and conditions — such as pain, cardiovascular disease, and gynaecological disorders. This article explores the concept of blood stasis in TCM and its diagnosis, causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
I.
Diagnosing Blood Stasis & Recognising Its Symptoms
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the diagnosis of blood stasis involves observing physical signs and symptoms while asking detailed questions about the patient’s medical history.
Physical Signs
- Dark or purplish skin or tongue
- Varicose veins
- A history of bruises
- Aching pain that worsens with pressure
These signs can indicate poor circulation and the accumulation of stagnant blood.
In addition to physical signs, TCM practitioners also inquire about the patient’s menstrual cycle, as menstrual irregularities — heavy or painful periods, irregular cycles, or clots — can indicate blood stasis. Past or current injuries, surgeries, or infections can also contribute to blood stasis and are taken into consideration during the diagnosis process. By examining all of these factors, TCM practitioners can develop a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s health and create an individualised treatment plan.
How Symptoms Present
01
Aching or Stabbing Pain
02
Numbness or Tingling
03
Skin Changes
04
Menstrual Irregularities
05
Emotional Disturbances
It is important to recognise these symptoms and seek appropriate treatment to promote circulation and reduce blood stasis from the body’s channels or vessels.
II.
Understanding Blood Stasis With an Analogy
The Traffic Jam
Imagine a busy highway with multiple lanes of traffic flowing smoothly. Suddenly, there is an accident or roadblock that causes a backup of cars, leading to a traffic jam. Cars become stuck and unable to flow smoothly on the congested road, resulting in frustration and delays for drivers.
In the same way, blood can become stagnant and accumulate in the body’s vessels or channels, resulting in poor circulation and potential health issues. Blood stasis can be caused by various factors such as trauma, exposure to cold, Qi deficiency, or an unhealthy diet.
When blood flow is blocked or disrupted, it can cause pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in the affected area; skin changes such as dark or purplish skin, varicose veins, or spider veins; and menstrual irregularities. Emotional disturbances such as depression, irritability, or anxiety can also be associated with blood stasis.
Just as traffic needs to be cleared to restore the smooth flow of vehicles, blood stasis needs to be treated to promote circulation and reduce obstructions in the body’s pathways.
III.
Treatment Options, Including Hijama Therapy
The goal of treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine is to promote circulation and reduce blood stasis. There are several treatment options available.
01
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate circulation and promote healing. In TCM, acupuncture is believed to help break up blood stasis and promote the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood throughout the body’s channels. Acupuncturists may choose specific points along the channels that correspond to the area of the body affected by blood stasis.
The Logjam
Think of a river that has become blocked by debris, causing the water to become stagnant. Acupuncture needles act like a logjam breaker, clearing away the debris and allowing the water to flow freely once again.
Commonly Used Points
SP 10 — Xuehai
Located on the inner thigh; believed to promote circulation and reduce blood stasis.
ST 36 — Zusanli
Located on the lower leg; said to promote the flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, helping to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
BL 17 — Geshu
Located on the back; believed to regulate blood flow, particularly in the liver and spleen channels.
In addition to these specific points, acupuncturists may also choose points based on the individual’s overall pattern of symptoms and underlying condition.
02
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine offers many formulas that are traditionally used to promote circulation and reduce blood stasis.
Commonly Used Herbs
Dan Shen — Salvia miltiorrhiza
Commonly used to invigorate the blood, promote circulation, and relieve pain.
Chuan Xiong — Ligusticum chuanxiong
Often used to relieve pain and promote circulation, particularly in the head and neck.
Yan Hu Suo — Corydalis yanhusuo
Traditionally used to relieve pain and promote circulation, particularly in cases of menstrual cramps.
Hong Hua — Carthamus tinctorius
Often used to invigorate the blood and promote circulation, particularly in cases of menstrual irregularities.
Tao Ren — Prunus persica
Commonly used to break up blood stasis and promote circulation, particularly in cases of menstrual disorders and traumatic injuries.
These herbs are used in combination with other herbs and are not used alone — they form traditional Chinese herbal formulas tailored to the individual patient’s needs.
03
Hijama Therapy (Wet Cupping)
Hijama Therapy is a traditional therapeutic technique that involves the puncturing of the skin and the use of suction cups to create a vacuum over an affected area. This technique can draw a small amount of blood to the surface of the skin, which can help to quicken the blood and promote circulation, thereby relieving pain.
Recent Evidence
Hijama was effective in improving blood circulation and reducing blood stasis in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hijama was effective in improving symptoms of dysmenorrhoea, a menstrual disorder that can be caused by blood stasis.
Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine
In addition to improving blood circulation and reducing blood stasis, Hijama has also been shown to have other health benefits — reducing pain and inflammation, boosting the immune system, and improving overall well-being.
04
Moxibustion
Moxibustion involves burning a herb called mugwort near the skin to promote circulation and reduce blood stasis. The burning mugwort produces a gentle heat, which penetrates the skin and affects the underlying channels and points of the body. This heat stimulates the circulation of blood and Qi, helping to break up areas of blood stasis and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
The Frozen River
Think of a river that is partially frozen over. The ice blocks the flow of water and creates stagnant areas, much like blood stasis blocks the flow of blood in the body’s channels. Moxibustion is like adding heat to the frozen areas, causing the ice to melt and allowing the water to flow freely.
05
Tui Na Massage
Tui Na is a type of Chinese therapeutic massage that involves various manual techniques — kneading, rolling, and pressing on specific acupoints or channels. The goal is to promote circulation, relieve pain, and reduce tension and stress in the body.
The Traffic Cop
When there is a traffic jam, cars are congested and stuck, leading to a buildup of traffic and blockages. In the same way, when there is blood stasis in the body, blood flow becomes sluggish and stuck, causing a buildup of blood in the tissues and organs. Tui Na massage can be compared to a traffic cop who directs the flow of traffic and helps cars move smoothly through the congested areas — loosening up the congested areas in the body and promoting the smooth flow of blood and Qi.
Please Read
Treatment depends on the patient’s specific signs, symptoms, and underlying causes. A trained TCM practitioner can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options to help promote circulation and reduce blood stasis, including Hijama Therapy.
Book With Us
At Huatuo Clinic, we deeply value the comfort and well-being of our patients, and we are committed to providing a warm and respectful atmosphere. We strongly believe that the holistic approach of TCM can offer effective options for treating a wide range of conditions, including blood stasis.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of blood stasis, or is interested in exploring TCM as a form of treatment, we invite you to visit our clinic. Our trained TCM practitioners can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs.