In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), 血虚 (kekkyō in Japanese, xuè xū in Mandarin) doesn’t mean you literally have “less blood” or anemia.
Instead, it describes a state where your Blood is not abundant or nourishing enough to fully support your body’s functions.

Blood, in this sense, is more than a physical substance — it’s a vital, nutrient-rich fluid that keeps your skin glowing, your mind calm, and your body energized.

How It Differs from Anemia

While anemia is a medical condition diagnosed through blood tests, 血虚 is a holistic pattern. It considers how you feel, look, and function — not just lab results. You could have 血虚 without anemia, or anemia without the full 血虚 pattern.

This information is for general wellness education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for concerns about anemia.

Common Signs Associated with 血虚 (Blood Deficiency) in TCM

• Feeling anxious much of the time
• Difficulty falling asleep, light sleep, or frequent/vivid dreaming
• Pale complexion
• Heart palpitations
• Dry hair or hair loss
• Brittle nails
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Dry eyes
• Prone to tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• Dry stools / constipation

Additional signs sometimes linked to menstruation and fertility:

• Light menstrual flow
• Menstrual cramps

Note: These signs are based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and may also be present in other health conditions. Please look after yourself and check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Causes of 血虚

From a TCM perspective, Blood can become “deficient” when:

• You’re under chronic stress
• You skip meals or eat a nutrient-poor diet
• You lose a lot of blood (e.g., heavy menstruation, childbirth)
• You’ve been ill or are recovering from illness
• Your digestion (Spleen & Stomach) is too weak to make enough Blood
• You don’t get enough sleep

Daily Tips to Support Your Blood

• Eat in a way that supports digestion without burdening the stomach and intestines
• Avoid too many cooling foods or drinks, particularly those that chill your stomach
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Avoid intense exercise; choose light activities like walking that leave you pleasantly tired

The goal is to nourish and enrich the Blood so it can hydrate tissues, support your mind, and keep your complexion healthy.

Typical 血虚-Friendly Foods

• Black sesame seeds
• Goji berries
• Beets and leafy greens
• Dates (jujube)
• Eggs
• Carrots
• Grapes
• Prunes
• Strawberries
• Spinach
• Peanuts
• Squid
• Octopus
• Liver and lean red meat