Traditional blood building: Chinese Medicine & Western Herbal Approaches

What is Blood Deficiency?

For the folks who receive acupuncture, you may have heard of the term “blood deficiency”. What exactly is blood deficiency and is it the same as anemia?

Anemia specifically refers to conditions involving red blood cells and their ability to deliver oxygen to systems in the body. Anemia is most commonly diagnosed by bloodwork to determine red blood cell levels as well as levels of stored iron and iron present in the bloodstream. Anemic individuals often experience fatigue, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, pale complexion and other associated symptoms related to inadequate oxygen levels in tissues.

Blood deficiency isn’t limited to low iron and red blood cell levels and in fact a condition where the body lacks sufficient nourishment and moisture from blood to support bodily functions. It can develop gradually over time due to poor diet, overwork, chronic illness, emotional stress and obviously, blood loss (ie. menstruation, childbirth, surgery, etc.). Individuals recovering from childbirth, dealing with long-term stress, or simply not getting adequate nutrition are likely blood deficient. Blood deficiency is particularly pronounced in the Liver (L), Spleen (S) and Heart (H) systems.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Blood Deficiency

• Fatigue, weakness, lethargy (S)
• Pale complexion, lips, tongue (S)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness & palpitations (H & S)
• Dry skin & hair, brittle nails (L)
• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, restlessness (H & L)
• Anxiety, feeling ungrounded, brain fog (H & S)
• Blurry vision, dry eyes, floaters (L)
• Light, scanty periods, irregular cycles (L)

And while it is possible for someone to have both anemia and blood deficiency, they are not exactly the same thing. Both conditions have some overlapping symptoms, however, having deficient blood encompasses something more extensive than how your red blood cells transport oxygen throughout your body. Blood from a TCM perspective is all about nourishing, moistening and keeping you grounded and clear as you move through your day-to-day life.

Our intention is to provide some practical traditional strategies involving simple modifications in diet and lifestyle, but more importantly, the prevention of future blood deficiency and maintenance of strong blood for optimal bodily function!

DISCLAIMER: These strategies are for personal use ONLY and are considered adjunctives for the prevention or relief of basic health complaints. They do not replace primary medical care and if your condition persists or worsens, consult your health care practitioner.

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Diet Therapy

The simplest and most logical strategy to blood building is through diet. We all gotta eat, so we might as well make it count!

Our approach to diet therapy is two fold: (1) incorporating blood building foods, (2) including foods AND food preparation that support our spleen. It is not only important to adjust what foods we are consuming, but also that they are prepared to support optimal digestion.

In TCM, the Spleen is the main organ responsible for digestion, the transformation of nutrients into qi and blood and regulation of fluids in the body. Through the spleen’s digestive function and production of qi and blood, it ensures proper nourishment of the muscles, prevents swelling and edema, can be seen through a vital, rosy complexion and supports mental concentration and focus.

A weak, deficient Spleen often results in symptoms such as bloating and loose stools, fatigue and weakness, pale complexion, irregular or scanty periods as well as poor concentration or brain fog. And since the Spleen is responsible for the transformation of nutrients into qi and blood, if it is functioning suboptimally, this will eventually result in blood deficiency.

Common causes of a weak Spleen

• Frequently eating cold, raw foods (salads, smoothies, sushi, etc.)
• Inconsistent, erratic eating schedules
• Overconsumption of dairy, greasy foods or sugary foods
• Lack of exercise
• Chronic worrying, overthinking

Foods that support the Spleen & Blood Building

If you are interested in learning more about Chinese Medicine food energetics, consider registering our upcoming Take Home TCM: Intro to Chinese Medicine Diet Therapy workshop!

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Moxibustion

Especially ideal for the cold-damp weather of the PNW winters as well as folks who have weak digestion, are unable to take iron supplements and/or struggle with iron absorption through supplements or diet.

Chinese style moxabustion or “moxa” consists of mugwort (Artimesia vulgaris) rolled into a cigar-like stick. This stick is ignited and the heat from the stick is indirectly applied over regions of the body or specific acupuncture points. Moxa has properties to warm the acupuncture meridians (heat can often be felt traveling along channels), stimulate circulation of qi and blood, boosts vitality and opens pores or collaterals. It has been traditionally used on specific acupuncture points during the changes of season to boost immunity and prevent illnesses such as the common cold and flu.

Moxa is specifically helpful for anemia by warming meridians and improving circulation as well as supporting qi and blood production. It has been shown to strengthen digestion, which in turn improves nutrient and iron absorption and promotes blood production. In various scientific studies, it has shown to improve hemoglobin and blood cell counts, especially when it’s combined with conventional approaches (ie. supplementation, transfusion, etc.). When applied to stimulate acupoints, it can provide relief for fatigue, cold sensitivity, and poor appetite associated with anemia, and can even help manage chemotherapy side effects.

How to use a moxa stick

Common moxa points for anemia

We stock smokeless moxa sticks for $2.50 a piece in the H&H lobby as well as post-COVID/viral recovery moxa kits for $6.00

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Acupuncture

In TCM theory, physical suffering cannot be separated from psychological, emotional or spiritual suffering. The power of acupuncture is its ability to treat the whole person. It is simultaneously able to promote the circulation of qi and blood, gently restore and support organ function and address chronic or acute emotional stress, all which will improve energy levels and reduce many of the underlying causes of blood deficiency.

Similarly to moxibustion, acupuncture is a fantastic option for supporting blood building in cases where someone is unable to take iron supplements and/or struggle with iron absorption through supplements or diet.

Furthermore, acupuncture being a dose dependent therapy with benefits achieved by frequency, and less so by individual doses. Establishing an appropriate treatment plan is key in assisting the gradual process for improving conditions related to blood deficiency. The Community Acupuncture model becomes more accessible, affordable allowing clients to access as much treatment as often as they need.

Ways Acupuncture can address Blood Deficiency

Rebalance your body-mind, all while supporting organ systems, managing stress and create optimal conditions to support your body to rebuild strong blood, not to mention participating in community-centred, traditional healthcare!

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Western Herbal Approaches

If you are struggling with low iron, there are many ways that plants can assist us. Some are rich in iron, like Ashwagandha or Nettle, and some, like Borage or Hibiscus, can help us in assimilating it. Some, like Willow or Rosemary, can do the opposite of help.

Here are some plants to get to know a little better and, as always, come have a chat over at the Green Muse Herbs apothecary, Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 6pm, if you’d like to explore this further!

A reminder that clients receive a 10% discount at the Green Muse Herbs apothecary when referred by members of the H&H practitioner team :)