Understanding Blood in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Blood is one of the fundamental

substances that sustains life. It circulates continuously throughout the

body, nourishing the internal organs, tissues, skin, muscles and mind.

Healthy Blood ensures that the body remains strong, coordinated and

emotionally balanced.

Blood in TCM is not identical to blood as defined in Western medicine. In

biomedicine, blood is understood as a physical fluid composed of red

blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma, responsible for

oxygen transport, immune function and clotting. In contrast, TCM Blood

is a broader functional concept. It includes the material aspect of

circulation but also refers to the body’s nourishing, moistening and

mental-stabilising capacity.

In other words, a person may have normal haemoglobin levels in a blood

test, yet still present with signs of Blood Deficiency in TCM. This is

because TCM Blood reflects the quality of nourishment to tissues, the

stability of the mind (Shen), the strength of the tendons and eyes, and

the regularity of menstruation - not solely laboratory measurements.

How Blood Is Produced and Regulated in TCM Several organ systems work together to generate and maintain healthy Blood.

The Spleen transforms food and drink into Qi and Blood, making

digestion the foundation of Blood production. The Heart governs Blood and its circulation and houses the Shen (mind and spirit), meaning sufficient Blood is essential for emotional stability

and restful sleep. The Liver stores Blood and regulates its volume. It nourishes the

tendons and eyes and supports the Hun (ethereal soul), influencing

vision and dream activity.

The Kidney stores Essence (Jing), which can transform into Blood and

provides deeper constitutional support. When these systems function harmoniously, Blood is abundant and circulates smoothly.

What Causes Blood Deficiency?

Blood Deficiency may develop gradually and is commonly associated

with:

– Chronic illness

– Poor or irregular diet

– Digestive weakness

– Heavy menstrual bleeding or blood loss

– Long-term stress and overwork

– Constitutional weakness

Because Blood depends on the Heart, Liver, Spleen and Kidney,

prolonged strain on these systems may eventually lead to deficiency.

Common symptoms may include:

– Dizziness or light-headedness

– Numbness or tingling of the limbs

– Dry, itchy skin

– Muscle stiffness or fatigue

– Blurred vision or dry eyes

– Irregular or scanty menstruation

– Insomnia or vivid dreaming

– Palpitations, anxiety or poor concentration