Blood stagnation mechanism in TCM
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), blood stagnation occurs when the flow of blood through the body is impeded or obstructed, leading to a buildup of blood in certain areas of the body. This can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, swelling, and stiffness.
There are several possible mechanisms that can lead to blood stagnation in TCM:
Qi deficiency: Qi is the vital energy that flows through the body and helps to circulate blood. If there is a deficiency in Qi, it can lead to poor circulation and blood stagnation.
Trauma: Physical injury or trauma can damage the blood vessels and lead to blood stagnation.
Cold: Exposure to cold temperatures can cause the blood vessels to constrict, leading to poor circulation and blood stagnation.
Heat: Excessive heat can cause inflammation and damage to the blood vessels, leading to blood stagnation.
Emotional stress: Emotional stress can cause the Qi to stagnate, which can in turn lead to blood stagnation.
Congenital factors: In some cases, blood stagnation may be due to congenital factors, such as structural abnormalities in the blood vessels.
The treatment of blood stagnation in TCM typically involves promoting the circulation of Qi and blood. This can be achieved through various techniques, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy. Some commonly used herbs for treating blood stagnation include safflower, peach kernel, and red peony root. Acupuncture can also be used to stimulate the flow of Qi and blood and relieve pain and stiffness associated with blood stagnation. In addition, dietary therapy may involve the consumption of foods that promote circulation, such as ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper.
20 acupoints for blood stagnation with details
Here are 20 acupoints that can be used in the treatment of blood stagnation, along with a brief description of each point:
LI4 (Hegu): This point is located on the back of the hand, between the thumb and index finger. It is used to promote the flow of Qi and blood and relieve pain.
SP10 (Xuehai): This point is located on the inner thigh, about 3 finger-widths above the knee. It is used to promote the circulation of blood and relieve menstrual pain.
UB17 (Geshu): This point is located on the back, about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) lateral to the spine. It is used to tonify the blood and relieve pain.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao): This point is located on the inner leg, about 3 finger-widths above the ankle. It is used to tonify the blood and promote the circulation of Qi.
ST36 (Zusanli): This point is located on the lower leg, about 3 inches (7.6 cm) below the knee. It is used to tonify Qi and blood and promote digestion.
UB18 (Ganshu): This point is located on the back, about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) lateral to the spine, at the level of the lower border of the 9th thoracic vertebra. It is used to tonify the liver and relieve pain.
KD3 (Taixi): This point is located on the inner ankle, in the depression between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. It is used to tonify the kidney and promote the circulation of Qi and blood.