The Chinese Medicine diagnosis of blood stasis (xue zhi) does not specifically mean clotting. What it does likely means is some form of arteriosclerosis, typified by tight vessels in the periphery, or in the organs and glands themselves. It is a condition which mostly aggravates other conditions, multiplying pain 3 or 4 times. It is caused by medications, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, injury, chronic spasms, etc.
The problem for western medicine is that blood thinners actually aggravate Liver Blood Stasis, in the long run. So Chinese Medicine relies on the use of herbals that quicken or invigorate the blood to move. These herbs are healthy and natural, unlike the rat poison used for Warfarin.
Blood stasis is a very common complication, especially post surgery or injury. More people have some amount of blood stasis than don’t. So when you think about your pain levels, these are almost certainly directly related.
What is to be done about it
Obviously we feel acupuncture and herbs are the most appropriate means to invigorate the tiniest arterioles. But massages (like tuina), and cupping, and of course diet and exercise can help. Small amounts of alcohol can invigorate the blood, but too much stagnates it. Also caffeine stagnates it. Salt “dries” the blood, so consider your sodium intake.
Call in or come in (book online) for a visit with our acupuncturists, and invigorate your blood today!