The blood stasis constitution means your blood doesn’t flow as smoothly as it should. When circulation slows down, nutrients have a harder time reaching the rest of your body, which can leave you feeling off-balance.

Over time, this sluggish flow can cause blood circulation to become stagnant or “stuck,” leading to areas of poor flow in the organs, tissues, meridians, or blood vessels. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these stagnant spots are called oketsu (瘀血), or blood stasis.

Common signs associated with Blood Stasis in TCM

• Forgetfulness or poor memory
• Irritability or mood swings
• Unexplained bruising
• Dark circles around the eyes
• Dry or rough skin
• Facial spots or blemishes
• Stiff shoulders or neck
• Cold hands and feet
• Dull complexion
• Chronic headaches or joint pain
• Sensitivity to cold

Additional signs sometimes linked to menstruation and fertility (if applicable):

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Menstrual cramps with dark or thick blood
• Difficulty conceiving

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

Common Causes of Blood Stasis

• Long-term stress
• Past injuries
• Natural aging
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Diet high in raw or cld foods
• Qi deficiency, 血虚(Blood deficiency) or Qi stagnation, which may slow blood flow

Daily tips to keep your blood flowing smoothly

• Keep moving gently. Light exercise such as walking, stretching, or yoga helps improve circulation and keeps blood flowing smoothly.
• Choose warming foods. Enjoy soups, stews, and gently spiced dishes (like those with ginger, garlic, onions, saffron, or turmeric) to support healthy circulation.
• Limit cold/raw/greasy foods. Too much raw salad, ice cream, greasy food, or chilled drinks may slow circulation, so balance them with warm, cooked meals.
• Relax and release stress. Try deep breathing, meditation, or a warm bath to ease tension and encourage flow in both body and mind.
• Stay warm. If you often feel chilly, keep your core cozy with layers or a warm drink, especially in cooler environments.

Foods to Support Blood Flow

Circulation-boosting foods

• Warming spices: ginger, cinnamon, garlic, turmeric, saffron, fennel
• Onions, leeks, spring onions
• Bell peppers
• Perilla leaves
• Black soybeans (Kuromame)
• Citrus fruits (especially with peel, like tangerines)
• Hawthorn berries (shan zha)
• Bok choy (cooling-natured)
• Buckwheat (cooling-natured)
• Eggplant (cooling-natured)
• Beetroot (cooling-natured)
• Mugwort leaves
• Wood ear mushrooms (Kuro Kikurage)
• Vinegar (helps disperse stagnation; use in moderation if prone to reflux)
• Brown sugar (used in TCM in small amounts to gently warm and move circulation)

Note: The foods listed here focus mainly on boosting circulation for Blood Stasis. Body constitutions often overlap. If you also experience signs of Qi Deficiency or Blood Deficiency, be sure to include nourishing foods that help build Qi and Blood alongside those that support circulation or balance.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking blood-thinning medication, check with a healthcare professional before using herbs/spices that invigorate blood (e.g., saffron, hawthorn, mugwort, wood ear mushrooms).

Blood Stasis Self-Care Summary

Support smooth circulation with gentle exercise, warming foods, stress relief, and mindful daily care to keep your blood moving and your energy flowing freely.