TCM diagnosis: Blood stasis

On this page, you will learn:

• What this diagnosis means from the point of view of TCM and Western medicine
• Where your symptoms come from and how they are connected
• Which specific treatment methods can help you now
• How you can get your blood moving again and gently dissolve blockages with TCM herbs, acupressure, Qi Gong and nutrition

The good news: Blood stasis can be treated very well with the right measures. With blood-moving herbs, targeted acupressure, gentle exercise and the right diet, you can release blockages and get your blood flowing again.

Take your time, Get to know the different treatment approaches—you don't have to implement everything at once. Choose what feels right for you and what you can easily integrate into your everyday life.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the free flow of blood (Xue) is a basic prerequisite for health. If the blood stagnates and can no longer circulate freely, we speak of blood stasis (Xue Yu) - one of the most important pathological patterns in TCM. It is not a question of too little blood, but rather that the existing blood has lost its movement.

Imagine a river that normally flows clear and lively. During blood stasis, this river resembles a murky body of water full of obstacles: The water backs up, becomes muddy and deposits form in some places. This is exactly what happens to the blood during stasis - it becomes viscous, dark and can no longer fulfill its nourishing function.

TCM says: „Where the blood does not flow, pain arises.“ This principle explains why fixed, stabbing pain is the main symptom of blood stasis. The pain is always in the same place, is often described as drilling or stabbing and worsens with pressure. This distinguishes it fundamentally from wandering pain, which is more indicative of Qi stagnation.

How does blood stasis develop? The causes are manifold: trauma can cause the blood to stagnate, cold contracts the vessels and slows down the flow, heat thickens the blood, and prolonged Qi stagnation also leads to blood stasis over time - because Qi is the moving force behind the blood. Paradoxically, even a chronic blood deficiency can lead to stasis: If there is too little blood, it flows more slowly.

The typical signs of blood stasis:

• Fixed, stabbing pain that always occurs in the same place
• Dark discoloration of the skin, lips or tongue (livid, bluish-purple)
• Dark menstrual blood with lumps or clots
• Hardening, lumps or palpable masses in the body
• Pain that worsens at night or in the cold
• Congested, visible veins under the tongue (sublingual)
• Dry, flaky or rough skin
• Difficulties with wound healing

The treatment principle is: Huo Xue Hua Yu - Revitalize the blood and dissolve stasis. With blood-moving herbs, targeted acupressure, gentle but regular exercise and foods that stimulate the circulation, you can get the blood flowing again and gently release blockages.

From a Western perspective, blood stasis corresponds to a state of impaired blood flow and impaired microcirculation. The blood no longer flows optimally through the fine capillaries, tissues are less well supplied and metabolic waste products can no longer be efficiently removed.

Imagine your vascular system as a network of roads: The large arteries are the highways, the capillaries are the small side roads. In the event of a circulatory disorder, these small roads are particularly affected - they are blocked, constricted or the „traffic“ comes to a standstill. The result: the tissue does not get enough oxygen and nutrients, while waste products accumulate. This explains the typical pain and discoloration.

Various manifestations are medically relevant: Thromboses (blood clots in the vessels), venous insufficiency (varicose veins, heavy legs), arterial circulatory disorders, but also functional microcirculatory disorders, which are often difficult to measure. Many patients with „unexplained“ chronic pain show signs of impaired microcirculation.

What does modern medicine show?

• Microcirculatory disorders: Impaired blood flow in the smallest vessels
• Increased blood viscosity: the blood becomes more viscous and flows more slowly
• Tendency to thrombosis: Increased risk of blood clots
• Chronic inflammation: Inflammation markers such as CRP can be elevated
• Venous congestion: Varicose veins, spider veins, heavy legs
• Tissue undersupply: Cells receive too little oxygen and nutrients

Modern research confirms: The TCM diagnosis of „blood stasis“ correlates with measurable changes such as increased blood viscosity, altered coagulation values and impaired microcirculation. Blood-moving TCM herbs such as Dan Shen (red root sage) have shown positive effects on blood circulation in studies and are even being researched in modern cardiology.

This is exactly where TCM treatment comes in: It revitalizes the blood, dissolves congestion and promotes microcirculation - using gentle, natural methods that do not strain the body. Exercise, warmth and foods that promote blood circulation, such as turmeric, onions and garlic, are just as important as the classic blood-moving herbs.

Blood stasis is very treatable! TCM offers you a variety of effective methods to get your blood moving again and dissolve blockages. You don't have to do everything at once - choose the methods that suit you and your everyday life.

Here you will find specific treatment approaches that have been proven effective in TCM for thousands of years and that you can largely apply yourself.

TCM herbs are the basis every classic TCM treatment. The carefully compiled mixtures have a synergistic effect — this means that the individual herbs reinforce each other's effects and balance out any possible side effects.

What modern medicine is only just discovering—the power of plant substances—has been used successfully by TCM for over 2,500 years.

Eine Blut–Stase zeigt sich unterschiedlich — mal steht ein zugrunde liegender Blutmangel im Vordergrund, mal eine kräftige Qi–Stagnation. Je nachdem, was bei dir überwiegt, passt eine dieser beiden Mischungen besser.

Blässe, Erschöpfung, Menstruation mit dunklen Klumpen und krampfartige Regelschmerzen — hier ist neben dem Lösen der Stase ein sanfter Blut–Aufbau nötig.

Fixe, stechende Schmerzen (Brust, Kopf), Stauungs– und Druckgefühl, dunkle Zunge und eine deutliche emotionale Komponente — hier braucht es kräftiges Lösen ohne Aufbau–Bedarf.

Warum BS+ bei Blut–Stase?

Bei einer Blut–Stase stockt das Blut und kann nicht mehr frei zirkulieren — und der Darm spielt dabei eine wichtige Rolle. Wenn die Verdauung träge ist und der Darm nicht gut arbeitet, stagniert auch der gesamte Stoffwechsel. Unverdaute Nahrung und trübe Feuchtigkeit belasten die Mitte, schwächen die Milz und führen dazu, dass das Blut dickflüssiger wird und leichter ins Stocken gerät. Ein gesunder Darm ist daher die Grundlage, um das Blut wieder in Bewegung zu bringen.

BS+ contains 11 prebiotic fibers und unterstützt so den Aufbau einer gesunden Darmflora. Eine gut genährte Darmflora stärkt die Transportfunktion der Milz und fördert die Bewegung im gesamten Körper — auch die des Blutes. Wenn die Mitte kräftig arbeitet, kann trübe Feuchtigkeit ausgeleitet und Blockaden leichter aufgelöst werden.

Besonders wichtig bei Blut–Stase:

• Fördert die Bewegung im Verdauungstrakt und löst so auch Blut–Stagnationen
• Stärkt die Milz–Funktion, damit das Blut nicht erneut ins Stocken gerät
• Unterstützt die Ausleitung von trüber Feuchtigkeit, die Blockaden begünstigt

Acupressure is acupuncture without needles. - you can apply them yourself at any time. By applying strong pressure to certain points, you activate the energy flow and release blood stagnation.

These three points form the classic combination for moving the blood. Blood stasis is about moving the blood and dissolving blockages - Regular stimulation gets the blood flowing again.

Movement is crucial for blood stasis - Gentle, flowing Qi Gong exercises get your blood flowing again. Stagnation is caused by stagnation, and these exercises release blockages, move the Qi and therefore also the blood.

Regular practice of Qi Gong (as little as 10-15 minutes a day) activates circulation, relieves tension and prevents new congestion. The motto: movement instead of stagnation!

These Qi Gong exercises are specially selected to dissolve blood stasis. They move Qi and blood, release tension and blockages and get the circulation flowing again.

All exercises work particularly well if you practise them in the morning between 5 and 7 a.m. - this is the liver's peak time in the organ clock. The morning is also a good time to get stagnant blood moving.

Meridian Yoga combines yoga with traditional Chinese medicine. The result is a holistic exercise concept for better health and more energy.

The liver and gallbladder meridians are particularly important for blood stasis - the liver stores the blood and regulates its free flow. The following exercises specifically stretch these meridians and help to release stagnation and get the blood moving again.

Both exercises activate the liver and gallbladder meridians, which are responsible for the free flow of Qi and blood. The liver stores the blood and releases it when needed - by activating these meridians, you support the natural circulation of blood and release stagnation.

Particularly effective: Hold each position for 3-5 breaths and visualize how blockages are released and the blood flows freely again. Breathe into the stretch and release more tension with each exhalation.

„Let food be your medicine.“ - This principle has been valid in TCM for thousands of years. In the case of blood stasis, the right diet is crucial to get your blood moving again.

Blood belongs to the elements Wood (liver) and fire (heart) and needs Warm, moving and aromatic food, to flow freely. Cold makes the blood stand still - warmth gets it flowing!

What you eat, HOW you eat and WHEN what you eat - all this influences whether your blood flows freely or stagnates.

Start with ONE step!
Don't change everything at once.

Our suggestion for getting started:

1. Integrate turmeric into your meals every day - 2 weeks
2. Avoid cold drinks and ice cream completely - 2 weeks
3. Introduce a warm breakfast with ginger - 2 weeks

Step by step, you will notice how your blood starts to flow again and the pain subsides.

Your blood will flow again!

Breathing is the bridge between body and mind. In TCM, we say: „The lungs govern qi“ — through conscious breathing, you can directly influence your energy flow, harmonize all organ systems, and activate your self-healing powers.

Studies show: Proper breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest & regeneration), massages the internal organs from within, improves oxygen supply, and reduces stress hormones. The good news: Just 5–10 minutes a day can have a measurable effect on your overall well-being.

When your body is relaxed, all organ systems can function optimally. Chronic tension blocks your body's self-healing powers and keeps you in a state of constant stress. Through targeted relaxation techniques, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system and send your body the signal: „Now I can regenerate, heal, and build strength.“

Progressive muscle relaxation is one of the most researched relaxation methods and has been used successfully for over 100 years. It helps you to recognize tension, actively release it, and achieve a state of deep relaxation—whenever you want.

Meditation calms the mind — and a calm mind harmonizes the body. In TCM, we know that every emotion affects a specific organ. Through regular meditation, you learn to break out of destructive thought patterns, find emotional balance, and strengthen your inner core.

Modern studies confirm: Meditation has been proven to change brain structure, reduce stress hormones, strengthen the immune system, and improve self-healing powers. Just 10 minutes a day can change your life forever.

In addition to traditional TCM treatment methods there are many small everyday habits that can get your blood moving again. With blood stasis, it is crucial to restore the flow - with the right habits, you can actively help your blood to circulate freely.

Regular exercise is essential

Exercise is the best medicine for blood stasis:

• Walks in the fresh air - at least 30 minutes a day
• Light jogging or Nordic walking
• Swimming gets the whole body moving
• Dancing - is fun and moves the blood wonderfully
• Cycling - gentle and effective

Do not sit for too long

Prolonged sitting promotes blood stasis:

• Get up and move every 30-60 minutes
• Incorporate short stretching exercises at the workplace
• Use a standing desk or height-adjustable desk
• Do not cross your legs - impedes the blood flow
• Let your feet circle more often while sitting

Stretching and stretching

Against stiffness and tension:

• Gentle stretching in the morning - gets the blood pumping
• Yoga or Tai Chi - ideal for blood flow
• Especially hip openers and shoulder stretches
• Stretch slowly and consciously, not jerkily
• In case of pain: go carefully to the limit, not over it

Heat from outside

Heat relieves stagnation and promotes blood flow:

• Hot water bottle for localized pain - especially in the lower abdomen
• Warm baths relax and dilate the blood vessels
• Foot baths with ginger - draw the warmth into the body
• Infrared lamp for tension and pain
• Sauna (if there are no signs of heat)

Avoid cold at all costs

Cold slows down the blood flow:

• Avoid cold drinks and food
• Do not walk barefoot on cold floors
• Keep your lower abdomen and lower back warm
• In winter: Protect the kidney and abdominal area in particular
• No cold compresses for blood stasis pain

Hot food

Warm from the inside:

• Prefer cooked, warm meals
• Ginger, turmeric, cinnamon - warming spices
• Hot soups and stews
• No raw food as a main meal
• Drink drinks at least room temperature

Daily self-massage

Promotes blood circulation and relieves stagnation:

• Stroke the extremities from bottom to top in the morning
• Circular abdominal massage in a clockwise direction - promotes digestion
• Loosen your shoulders and neck regularly
• Scalp massage - improves blood circulation
• Earlobe kneading - many reflex zones are represented here

Dry brush massage

Before showering - invigorates the whole body:

• Working with a natural bristle brush
• Brush from the feet upwards towards the heart
• From the hands upwards to the shoulder
• Gentle pressure - the skin should redden slightly
• Then take a warm shower

Gua Sha

Traditional technique for tension:

• Work with a Gua Sha stone or spoon
• Scraping the neck and shoulders in case of tension
• Red discoloration (Sha) indicates stagnation - is desirable
• Always work with oil, never on dry skin
• In case of severe blood stasis: start gently first

The connection between emotions and blood stasis

Suppressed emotions cause Qi stagnation, which leads to blood stasis:

• Prolonged frustration and anger dam up the Qi
• Unexpressed grief and pain remain „stuck“ in the body“
• Chronic stress leads to tension and stagnation
• Resentment and bitterness are particularly hard on the liver
• Emotional stress often manifests itself physically

Expressing feelings

Restore the emotional flow:

• Perceiving and naming feelings
• Talking to people you know
• Crying when it wants to show itself
• Writing a diary - helps to organize thoughts
• Seeking professional help for chronic stress

Find valves

Physical expression of emotional energy:

• Sport as an outlet for frustration and anger
• Creative activities - painting, making music, writing
• Singing - moves the Qi in the whole body
• Dancing - combines emotions with movement
• Being in nature - helps you let go

Typical signs of blood stasis

Menstruation often clearly shows whether blood stasis is present:

• Dark, almost black menstrual blood
• Blood clots during your period
• Severe, cramp-like pain
• Pain that gets better with heat
• Irregular cycle with delayed onset

During menstruation

Support the blood flow:

• Heat on the lower abdomen - hot water bottle or grain pillow
• Drink warm drinks - ginger tea is ideal
• No cold food or drinks
• Gentle exercise - don't crawl into bed
• Light abdominal massage in a clockwise direction

Between the periods

Work preventively:

• Regular exercise throughout the month
• Reduce stress - especially before your period
• Keep your lower abdomen warm - no crop tops
• Eat blood-boosting foods (turmeric, saffron)
• TCM herbs for prevention - discuss with therapist

Dissolving blood stasis takes time and consistency. Unlike with acute complaints, patience is required here - but it's worth the effort. Every day that you move, apply heat and listen to your body, a little more stagnation is released. Pay attention to the signs: less pain, better blood circulation, lighter menstrual flow show that you are on the right track.

When to see a doctor? If you experience severe, persistent pain, sudden worsening, unexplained bruising or bleeding, you should definitely see a doctor. Even if the symptoms do not improve despite consistent self-help, a medical examination is important. TCM and Western medicine can complement each other perfectly in cases of blood stasis.

TCM is not a quick fix for symptoms., but rather a holistic healing process. You will achieve the best results if you consistently integrate the treatment into your daily routine and give your body time to regenerate.

Start with ONE step

Don't try to change everything at once! That's overwhelming and leads to
usually leads to you giving up. Instead:

• Week 1-2: Integrate blood-boosting foods daily (turmeric, onions, eggplant)
• Week 3-4: Acupressure Le 03 and MP 06 daily
• Week 5-6: Qi Gong daily 10 min.
• Week 7-8: Supplement TCM herbal mixture
• From week 9: Add further methods as required

Realistic expectations

After 2–3 weeks: First improvements noticeable

• Less feeling of tension
• Better blood circulation
• Pain subsides

After 6–8 weeks: Significant improvements

• Significantly less fixed pain
• Better menstruation (fewer lumps)
• Skin becomes rosier

After 3–6 months: Sustainable healing

• Blood flows freely again
• Chronic pain resolved
• Body feels light and flexible

TCM vs. Western medicine

TCM and Western medicine are not mutually exclusive — they complement each other!

When Western medicine is important:

• In acute emergencies
• In case of structural damage
• In case of infections
• For accurate diagnoses (laboratory, imaging)

Where TCM has its strengths:

• In case of functional disorders
• For chronic complaints
• For prevention
• For holistic healing

Ideal: Combine both systems! Use Western medicine for
Acute treatment and accurate diagnosis, TCM for lasting healing
and strengthening the body's self-healing powers.

Important: Never stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your doctor first!
Talk to your doctor when you start TCM treatment.