Improving Blood Circulation: Part 1 - An Eastern Perspective

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from HANS e-News

 

Improving Blood Circulation: Part 1 - An Eastern Perspective

by Avery Yackel, B.A.Sc., R.TCM.P.

 

 

A strong blood circulatory system, in both Western and Eastern medicine,

is vital to maintaining good health.

 

 

" Blood Deficiency " is a concept unique to Traditional

(TCM) and can be thought of as a decreased ability of the Blood to provide the

proper nourishment to the rest of the body.

 

 

Although somewhat similar in idea to anemia, Blood Deficiency encompasses

a much broader range of symptoms, and TCM relies on its own methods of

diagnosis rather than blood tests to evaluate and treat this condition.

 

 

Some of the more common symptoms associated with Blood Deficiency include:

 

- fatigue & chronic tiredness

- pale complexion

- dry hair & skin

- brittle nails

- blurred vision & " floaters " in the eyes

- poor memory

- depression

- insomnia, especially difficulty in falling asleep

 

 

Other cases sometimes include symptoms such as:

 

- muscle spasms & cramps

- numbness in the limbs

- dizziness & vertigo

 

 

In addition, women may experience:

 

- scanty or irregular menstrual periods

- infertility or miscarriage

 

 

In TCM physiology, the digestive system (often referred to as the

Spleen-Pancreas is responsible for manufacturing the Blood, while the Liver

system

is the one that stores, distributes, and regulates the Blood flow

throughout the entire body. Therefore, treatment of Blood Deficiency usually

focuses on supporting both of these systems.

 

 

There are many different factors that can contribute to a Blood Deficient

condition.

 

 

Improper diet is one common cause. Vegetarians are especially susceptible

to Bood Deficiency, and should make sure to add adequate amounts of

Blood-nourishing foods to their diet.

 

 

Because of their connection to the Liver, according to TCM theory, overuse

of the tendons and the eyes is another common cause, and is frequently

seen in athletes who over train their bodies or students who do a lot of

computer work or reading.

 

 

Prolonged bleeding, especially menstrual or gastrointestinal bleeding

disorders, may also lead to a Blood Deficient condition, but of course the

underlying cause of the bleeding needs to be addressed first.

 

 

Tips for Nourishing the Blood:

 

Gou Qi Zi (better known as the Goji berry) is one of the more famous

Chinese herbs used for nourishing the Blood. However, other dark berries are

also beneficial, including blueberries and blackberries.

 

 

Blackstrap molasses, which is rich in iron and other minerals, is

nourishing to the Blood. Take about one tablespoon a day on a regular to help

to

give the blood a boost.

 

 

Green protein is especially good for vegetarians and people who engage in

a lot of physical activity. Foods such as spirulina can be important

additions to the diet when dealing with Blood Deficiency. Chlorophyll, the

substance that gives these foods their green colour, has often been referred to

as " plant hemoglobin " for its close resemblance in composition to blood. In

addition, protein provides the building blocks necessary for helping to

rebuild and strengthen the blood.

 

***

 

 

Avery Yackel, B.A.Sc., R.TCM.P., practices Traditional Japanese

acupuncture, moxibustion and shiatsu massage in Vancouver and Surrey. For more

information call (604) 671-4682, email _avery_

(avery) or visit _www.ayacupuncture.com_

(http://www.ayacupuncture.com/)