Blood stasis constitution (Xue Yu)
On this page
- Overview
- Recognising the pattern
- Dietary approach
- Foods to favour
- Foods to limit
- Lifestyle
- Related pages
1. Overview
Blood stasis (Xue Yu) is a constitutional tendency to poor circulation and blood pooling. It underlies many gynaecological conditions including endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids and severe period pain, as well as cardiovascular problems and chronic fixed pain. Dietary support emphasises blood-moving and warming foods.
2. Recognising the pattern
- Dull, dark complexion; dark circles under the eyes
- Dark or purplish lips, gums and tongue
- Fixed, sharp, stabbing pains that worsen at night
- Easy bruising; visible spider veins
- Dark menstrual blood with clots; severe period pain
- Dry, rough skin
- Tongue: purplish, with stasis spots; dark sublingual veins
- Pulse: choppy or wiry
3. Dietary approach
The blood-moving diet emphasises foods that warm and move blood: hawthorn berry, peach, chestnut, brown sugar, vinegar, ginger, turmeric and saffron. Excessively cold and greasy foods congeal blood and are best limited.
4. Foods to favour
- Hawthorn berry (shan zha) — tea or fresh
- Black wood ear fungus, shiitake mushrooms
- Peach, chestnut, plum, brown sugar
- Saffron, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon
- Vinegar (small amounts in cooking)
- Oily fish: salmon, mackerel, sardines
- Aubergine, leek, onion, garlic
- Red wine in moderation (1 small glass)
5. Foods to limit
- Cold-natured foods, iced drinks (congeal blood)
- Excess greasy, fried, very rich food
- Excessively dampening foods (dairy, sugar, white flour)
- Smoking (a major cause of blood stasis)
- Sedentary lifestyle
6. Lifestyle
Daily movement is essential — walking, swimming, t'ai chi. Avoid sitting for long periods. Keep warm. Manage stress (which constrains qi and creates blood stasis). Avoid smoking absolutely.
