How Traditional Chinese Medicine Eases Blood Vessel Blockages

Title: How Traditional Chinese Medicine Eases Blood Vessel Blockages Introduction: TCM emphasizes smooth blood flow for health, suggesting diet, exercise, stress management, and emotional regulation can improve circulation. Keywords: ['Traditional Chinese Medicine', 'Health'] Author: Jia Yan Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences National Clinical Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cardiovascular Diseases Resident Physician Review: Ju Jianqing, Deputy Chief Physician at the National Clinical Medicine Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. Note: The cover image is from a copyrighted stock photo library, and reprinting or using it may lead to copyright disputes.

In modern medicine, blood vessels are regarded as the 'channels of life.' Whether they are arteries that deliver nutrients, veins that recycle metabolic waste, or capillaries that regulate material exchange, they all work together to maintain the complex and coordinated functioning of the human body. When these vessels undergo pathological changes due to disease, the overall health of the body is severely at risk. The term 'generalized vascular disease' has emerged, emphasizing the widespread damage to blood vessels across various systems such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and limbs, rather than being limited to the lesions of a specific organ or region. Its root often traces back to a common pathological process known as atherosclerosis. In the medical exploration of preventing and treating vascular diseases, traditional Chinese medicine has always been present. 'Activating blood and removing stasis,' as one of the classic treatment methods in traditional Chinese medicine, is showcasing new vigor within the modern medical system due to its profound theoretical framework and extensive practical experience.

Blood Stasis: Examining 'Panvascular Diseases' from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the smooth circulation of blood within the vessels is the foundation of life activities. When blood flow is hindered due to factors such as cold coagulation, qi stagnation, trauma, chronic illness, or emotional distress, it results in a pathological state known as 'blood stasis.' Blood stasis not only signifies poor blood circulation but can also trigger various conditions, including localized pain and dysfunction of the organs. It is often not an isolated pathology but rather a 'root cause' that runs throughout the processes of disease onset, progression, exacerbation, and recurrence. This concept has a high correlation with the pathological changes observed in modern medicine, such as increased platelet activity, endothelial dysfunction, and plaque formation. The 'blood stasis' referred to in traditional Chinese medicine can be seen as a holistic response to this series of pathological changes. The process of invigorating blood and dispelling stasis is not merely about improving blood flow; it also works on an overall level to regulate the internal environment of the body, resolve 'stasis toxins,' and restore the physiological order of the body.

Invigorating Blood and Dispelling Stasis – A Traditional Chinese Medicine Recipe for Unclogging the 'Path of Life.' 'Activating blood circulation' and 'resolving stasis' are two key approaches in traditional Chinese medicine for addressing the issue of blood stasis. 'Activating blood circulation' focuses on promoting smooth blood flow, while 'resolving stasis' is concerned with clearing the stasis that has already formed in the body. The two methods complement each other, together forming a comprehensive and flexible treatment system. In the various stages of vascular disease, both activating blood circulation and resolving stasis can play unique roles.

Unclogging peripheral blood vessels and warming numb limbs: Many patients with vascular issues often feel cold hands and feet, along with numbness and tingling, and even darkened skin color. This is due to poor circulation of blood and qi, making it difficult to reach the extremities. Utilizing blood-invigorating and stasis-resolving herbs such as Angelica, Chuanxiong, Salvia, and Peach kernel can effectively improve peripheral circulation, allowing nutrients and oxygen to better reach these 'remote areas.' This approach is particularly suitable for alleviating numbness in hands and feet, leg soreness while walking, and various peripheral circulation disorders.

Protecting vascular health and delaying plaque progression: Modern research has revealed that many blood-enhancing traditional Chinese medicines contain pharmacological components that protect blood vessels, offering benefits such as anti-platelet aggregation, anti-inflammation, and improved blood lipid levels. These effects can intervene in the process of atherosclerosis at the molecular level. They help keep blood vessels relatively unobstructed, maintain vascular elasticity, and act as an internal protective barrier, reducing the risk of vascular blockage and hardening.

Preventing acute crises and reducing the risk of thrombosis: For patients with vascular diseases who have high-risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia, blood often tends to be in a 'thick and easily coagulable' state. This condition is a significant hidden danger for sudden events like myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction. Applying methods to invigorate blood circulation and remove stasis reasonably in the early stages of the disease can help dilute the blood, prevent stagnation, and improve blood 'fluidity,' thereby reducing the risk of acute events.

Assisting in post-illness recovery and promoting functional reconstruction: During the rehabilitation period following acute cardiovascular events such as cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction, the method of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis plays a crucial role. It can accelerate the repair of damaged tissues and the reconstruction of blood supply. This helps to improve functional disorders such as limb weakness and restricted activities, significantly enhancing the quality of life for patients during their recovery period.

Promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis is not only about 'treatment,' but also about 'preventing potential issues.' Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes 'preventing disease before it occurs.' Promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis is equally important in the early intervention of vascular diseases. For individuals who do not yet show clear organic lesions but exhibit symptoms of 'blood stasis,' such as a dull complexion, purplish tongue, frequent fatigue and irritability, and cold, numb extremities, gentle methods such as medicinal teas that invigorate blood circulation, tonic pastes, and acupoint massage can be employed to help improve blood flow and prevent the progression to organic diseases.

Especially for middle-aged and elderly individuals with a history of 'three highs' (hypertension, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol), it is crucial to carry out individualized 'activating blood circulation and unblocking meridians' interventions under the guidance of a physician. This proactive approach of 'preventing disease before it occurs and preventing progression once the disease is present' is a profound reflection of traditional Chinese medicine's wisdom in managing chronic diseases.

The wisdom of 'invigorating blood circulation and removing stasis' in daily life. The concept of promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis should not only be reflected in medications but also integrated into daily life. Maintaining moderate exercise (such as Tai Chi, Baduanjin, brisk walking, etc.) can effectively stimulate the flow of qi and blood, ensuring smooth meridians. Choosing ingredients that enhance blood circulation (such as hawthorn, peach kernels, black fungus, onions, etc.) can assist the body in breaking down stasis and provide additional support. Additionally, maintaining a positive mindset, adhering to a regular schedule, and strictly avoiding smoking and excessive drinking are habits that help regulate qi and blood, preventing qi stagnation and blood stasis. These practices represent the most fundamental and effective natural therapies for preventing the onset of 'blood stasis diseases.'

Conclusion: The concept of 'transforming blood stasis' in traditional Chinese medicine is not only about disease treatment but also about understanding the principles of life. Vascular diseases have become a common issue affecting people's health, and the traditional Chinese medicine concept of 'activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis' offers us a unique perspective on managing vascular health. This represents a systematic health strategy that encompasses prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation throughout the entire process.

When blood vessels are clear, all channels run smoothly; when stagnated blood is resolved, all ailments disperse. I hope that more and more people can recognize 'blood stasis,' this 'silent killer,' and understand 'promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis,' this effective 'Chinese medicine remedy.' In daily life, let us actively nourish the 'river of life,' allowing blood to flow freely and health to be a constant companion.