Is Blood Stagnation the Cause of Your Pain? by Dr. Mark Wiley

We all know that blood circulates in our bodies. But what you may not know is that aside from being a vital nutrient substance blood can also be a cause of pain in the body.

The focus of today's article is the cause and effects of "blood stagnation." That is, locations where blood becomes "static" (non-moving or very slow-moving) in the organs, tissues, or meridian system. It also refers to the extravasation of blood (bruising) somewhere in the body.

Blood Formation and Circulation
Blood is formed by the essence of the food and beverages we consume. This essence is extracted by the energetic function of the spleen and stomach, which also produce qi or life force.

Once formed, blood circulates not only in the veins but throughout the body by way of the meridian complex. It is jointly controlled by the heart (which dominates blood and vessels and circulates it), the liver (which promotes the free-flow of qi, stores blood and regulates blood volume in circulation), and by the spleen (which controls the blood and prevents hemorrhaging).

Since traditional Chinese medicine views the entire body as a connected hole, it views the coordinated efforts and proper functioning of these three organs that ensures the continuous circulation of blood in the vessels. Dysfunction of the heart, spleen or liver may lead to abnormal circulation of blood, which causes pain, illness or disease.

The Functions of Blood
The most obvious function of blood is that it circulates throughout the entire body, including the organs, skin, muscles, bones, and tendons. Thus, the body receives its vital nourishment of oxygen and nutrients and the organs and tissues stay moist and hydrated.

Indeed, the classics of Chinese medicine tell us that it is through such hydration and nourishment that the eyes can see and the feet can walk, the brain can think and the heart can beat. Blood deficiency may lead to weak vision, dry eyes and skin, joint motor dysfunction and numbness and coldness of the extremities. Whereas ample supply and movement of blood ensures a clear mind and a vigorous spirit, as qi and blood are the foundation of mental activity.

Blood Stagnation
Blood stagnation is both a symptom and a cause of ill-health. It is caused by poor circulation of blood that itself is caused by deficient or stagnation of qi or by an excess of cold or heat in the blood itself.

When the qi (vital energy) is deficient or stagnant, it is unable to properly propel the blood through the body.

When cold enters the body it constricts the channels and impedes blood circulation.

When heat enters the body and enters the channels it raises the blood temperature, thereby "rendering it down" (if you will) and obstructing the free flow of blood.

When there is internal hemorrhage as a result of a traumatic injury, blood may also stagnate, causing bruises or more serious internal bleeding.

Manifestations of Blood Stagnation
Depending on the area of the blood stagnation, and indeed the cause of it, various signs and symptoms may present themselves. Here are some examples.

Blood stagnation in the heart may cause palpitations, what has been described as "a suffocating sensation" in the chest, cardiac pain and a purplish-color to the lips and nails. It may also cause mania.

Blood stagnation in the lungs may cause chest pain and the expectoration of blood.

Blood stagnation in the stomach and intestines may cause constipation or bloody stools.

Blood stagnation in the liver may cause hypochondriac pain.

Blood stagnation in the uterus may result in lower abdominal pain, scanty or irregular menstruation, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and a dark menstrual flow with clotting.

Blood stagnation in the limbs and body surface may cause gangrene, a local purplish or bluish skin color, localized swelling or pain.

Characteristics of Blood Stagnation
Although blood stagnation manifests differently depending on its cause and location, it does present a set of identifiable characteristics. These include: a fixed stabbing-type pain which is aggravated by pressure and gets worse at night; purplish clots (bruises) or serious internal hemorrhage; varicose veins; a dark complexion; scaly and dry skin; bluish or purplish lips and nails; and a purplish tongue.

There is an axiom of traditional Chinese medicine that sums this up nicely:

Tong ze be tong; If there is free flow, there is no pain;

Bu tong ze tong. If there is pain, there is no free flow.

So the next time you're experiencing pain, make a check of the physical signs. Blood stagnation just might be the cause!