Blood Stasis combined with Yin Deficiency Constitution

Manifestation Characteristics

• Physical Signs: The primary manifestations are signs of blood stasis, such as a dull and dark complexion and a purplish, dark tongue. A minority of individuals may also exhibit accompanying characteristics of Yin deficiency, such as a dry mouth and throat, and a sensation of “deficiency heat” in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

• Body Shape: Can be either thin or overweight.

• Common Manifestations: A dull and dark complexion, pigmentation, a tendency to bruise easily, dull and dark lips, and a dark or purplish tongue, sometimes with spots. Some individuals may also experience a sensation of “deficiency heat” in the palms and soles, a dry mouth and throat, a slightly dry nose, a preference for cold drinks, and dry stools.

• Psychological Characteristics: An impatient temperament, extroverted, active, and lively. Also prone to irritability and forgetfulness.

• Disease Tendencies: Susceptible to “consumptive disease” (a general term for chronic deficiency conditions), seminal emission, insomnia, the formation of masses (症瘕), various pain syndromes, and bleeding disorders.

• Adaptability: Averse to heat in the summer and cold in the winter.

Conditioning Methods

• Environmental and Lifestyle Adjustments: It is important to avoid the heat in summer and to nourish Yin during autumn and winter. The living environment should be quiet and at a suitable temperature. Do not stay up late. Maintain a regular work and rest schedule with sufficient sleep, but avoid a sedentary lifestyle to prevent Qi stagnation and blood stasis.

• Physical Exercise: It is advisable to choose activities that combine movement and stillness, and to rehydrate promptly. Engage in activities that benefit the heart and blood vessels, such as dancing, Tai Chi, Ba Duan Jin, and therapeutic massage, to promote the circulation of Qi and blood.

• Mental Adjustment: Follow the principles from the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) of “tranquility and emptiness” and “guarding the spirit within,” and cultivate an optimistic mood.

• Dietary Conditioning: Consume more foods like pear, lily bulb, white wood ear (tremella), spinach, fig, rock sugar, crown daisy chrysanthemum, brown sugar, rose flower, Chinese rose, alcohol, and peach kernel. Eat fewer pungent, spicy, and drying foods like onions, ginger, garlic, and peppers. A small amount of alcohol may be consumed regularly.

• Medicinal Conditioning: Herbs that can be used include Nu Zhen Zi (Glossy Privet Fruit), Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Fruit), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Root), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root), Huai Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root), Xu Chang Qing (Paniculate Swallowwort Root), Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus Stem), and Chong Wei Zi (Motherwort Fruit). Representative patent formulas are Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill) or Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia).