Blood Stagnation / Stasis

Simple home support for fixed pain, clots, and circulation

Before you begin: This is general education in Chinese Medicine, not a diagnosis or treatment, and it does not replace your practitioner or GP. Fixed or stabbing pain, a new lump, heavy bleeding, or symptoms that are new or worsening need medical assessment. This guide supports general circulation and wellbeing alongside medical care.

What this means in Chinese Medicine

When Blood moves smoothly, tissues stay nourished and pain stays away. When Blood slows and pools, Chinese Medicine calls it Blood Stasis. Circulation in an area becomes stuck.

Cold, long-standing Qi stagnation, injury, or simply not moving enough can all contribute. The hallmark is something fixed: pain that stays in one place, often sharp or stabbing, and signs of old, stuck blood such as dark clots or bruising.

How it can show up

• Fixed, sharp, or stabbing pain that stays in one spot
• Period pain with dark blood and clots, often easing once clots pass
• A dark or dull complexion, or dark lips
• Easy bruising, or visible small veins
• A purple tinge to the tongue, or purple spots

This pattern looks different in each person. Your practitioner reads your pulse, tongue, and history to see the full picture.

Foods to favour

• Foods traditionally used to move Blood: turmeric, hawthorn (shan zha), chives
• Dark berries, cherries, and beetroot
• Oily fish, leafy greens, and a little garlic and ginger
• A small amount of vinegar if tolerated
• Warm cooked meals, since warmth keeps Blood moving

Foods to reduce for now

• Cold and raw food, which can slow circulation
• Greasy and heavy foods
• Irregular eating

Lifestyle and self-care

• Move daily. Qi moves Blood, so movement is the most useful habit for this pattern.
• Keep warm, especially the lower abdomen and lower back around your period.
• Try gentle, warm-handed abdominal massage in slow circles if it feels comfortable.
• Work with stress, since long-term tension can lead Qi and Blood to stick.
• Avoid long periods of stillness and cold exposure.

Simple tea

Hawthorn (shan zha) tea, warm. Hawthorn berry is the classic food for moving stuck Blood.

Strong Blood-moving foods, herbs, and teas are not suitable if you are pregnant, have heavy bleeding, take blood thinners, or have a bleeding or clotting disorder. Check with your practitioner first. Any new lump or unexplained pain needs medical assessment.