Pathology and disharmonies of Blood

Pathology of Blood in TCM: deficiency, Heat and Stasis

When Blood becomes disharmonious in Traditional Chinese Medicine, a wide range of signs may develop. TCM distinguishes three principal pathological patterns of Blood: Blood deficiency, Blood Heat and Blood Stasis. Each has different causes, manifestations and treatment principles.

Blood deficiency: insufficient nourishment

Blood deficiency occurs when there is insufficient Blood in the body, in a particular organ or in a specific area to fulfil its nourishing and moistening functions. Causes may include weak Spleen function, loss of Blood, chronic illness, inadequate nourishment or weakness of Kidney Jing.

General signs may include a pale or sallow complexion, dizziness, dry skin, impaired vision, poor memory and fatigue.

Heart Blood deficiency may manifest as palpitations, insomnia and restlessness because Shen is insufficiently nourished. Liver Blood deficiency may produce dry or tired eyes, stiffness of the sinews and muscles, dry skin and hair and scanty or absent menstruation.

Treatment focuses on nourishing Blood and strengthening the sources of Blood production, particularly the Spleen, Stomach and, where appropriate, the Kidneys.

Blood Heat: Heat disturbing Blood

Blood Heat occurs when excessive Heat affects Blood. Liver Heat or Liver Fire may contribute because the Liver stores Blood within TCM theory.

Heated Blood may move excessively and may more readily leave its normal pathways. In women this can be associated with heavy or early menstruation with bright red Blood.

Blood Heat may also manifest through red, hot and inflamed skin conditions. Treatment aims to cool Blood and clear the underlying Heat.

Blood Stasis: obstruction of circulation

Blood Stasis develops when Blood cannot circulate freely and begins to stagnate. It is an important pathological pattern in clinical TCM.

Qi stagnation is a common cause because Qi moves Blood. Cold may constrict circulation, Heat may disturb Blood, and trauma, chronic illness or weak Qi may also contribute.

A characteristic sign is fixed, sharp or stabbing pain that remains in one location and may worsen with pressure. Other signs can include dark or purple discoloration of the skin, lips or tongue, dark menstrual Blood with clots and, in chronic cases, fixed masses or lumps.

Treatment is directed toward invigorating Blood and resolving Stasis while addressing the underlying cause.

Conclusion: three Blood patterns

Blood deficiency, Blood Heat and Blood Stasis represent three different forms of disharmony. Blood deficiency involves insufficient Blood, Blood Heat involves disturbance by Heat, and Blood Stasis involves impaired circulation.

Differentiating these patterns allows treatment to focus on nourishing, cooling or moving Blood according to the underlying condition.