Understanding Heart Blood Stasis: The "Fixed Pain" Pattern

What is "Heart Blood Stasis"?

In Chinese Medicine, we say that "Qi is the commander of Blood." This means that our energy (Qi) is responsible for pushing the Blood smoothly through the vessels. If the Qi gets stuck for a long time (as in Heart-Qi Stagnation), the Blood it's supposed to be moving can also begin to slow down, thicken, and eventually get stuck. This is Blood Stasis.

Think of a river. Qi is the current, and Blood is the water itself. In Heart-Qi Stagnation, the current slows down. In Heart Blood Stasis, the water itself has become sludgy and a logjam has formed, creating intense pressure and pain in a specific spot. This is why the primary symptom of Blood Stasis is a **sharp, stabbing, or pricking pain that stays in a fixed location**.

This pattern is a progression. It often develops from long-held emotional pain, which first causes Qi Stagnation, and then, over time, leads to Blood Stasis. It is a specific, more severe form of "Heart Vessel Obstruction."

The hallmark signs of Heart Blood Stasis are very distinct:

  • A stabbing, pricking, or lancing pain in the chest. Unlike the dull ache of Qi stagnation, this pain is sharp and feels localized to one spot.
  • The pain may radiate to the left shoulder or inner arm.
  • A feeling of intense oppression or constriction in the chest.
  • Palpitations can be present.
  • A key visual sign is a purple or dark-purplish colour on the lips, nails, and especially the tongue. This is a classic indicator of Blood Stasis.

CRUCIAL NOTE: All forms of chest pain, especially sharp and stabbing pain, require an immediate and thorough evaluation by a medical doctor to rule out a serious cardiac event. Our work with acupressure is a supportive therapy intended to improve circulation and address the underlying pattern from a Chinese Medicine perspective. It is a complement to, not a replacement for, essential medical care.

Lifestyle Advice: Invigorate Blood and Restore Flow

Our strategy is to strongly, but safely, move Blood, unblock the channels, and prevent further stagnation.

1. Adopt a "Blood-Moving" Diet:
Your diet can either help or hinder circulation.

  • Eat Foods that Invigorate Blood: Hawthorn berry (as a tea), turmeric, chives, onions, garlic, vinegar, and black wood-ear mushrooms are all known to gently promote circulation.
  • Keep it Warm: Cold constricts and congeals. Avoid all iced drinks and cold/raw foods. Favour warm, cooked meals to promote smooth flow.
  • STRICTLY AVOID:
    • Greasy, Fatty, and Fried Foods. These create Phlegm, which further obstructs the vessels.
    • Excessive Rich Meats and Dairy.

2. Gentle, Consistent Movement:
The goal is to encourage circulation without over-straining the Heart.

  • Daily Walking: A brisk 20-30 minute walk each day is one of the best and safest ways to move Qi and Blood.
  • Tai Chi or Qigong: These practices are specifically designed to promote the smooth flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body, including the chest.
  • Avoid: Strenuous, high-impact exercise, heavy lifting, or any activity that brings on or worsens chest pain. Listen to your body.

3. Process Emotional Pain:
Since Blood Stasis is often rooted in long-held emotional pain, creating an outlet is part of the healing process.

  • Seek Support: This is not the time to "tough it out." Talking to a trusted friend or a professional therapist can be invaluable for processing the old emotions that contribute to this physical constriction.

4. Acupressure at Home:
Here is a crucial combination to invigorate Blood and open the chest.

  • Pericardium 6 (Neiguan - "Inner Gate"): The most important point to open the chest and regulate the Heart.
    • Location: On your inner forearm, three finger-widths up from your main wrist crease, between the two prominent tendons.
    • How to: Apply firm pressure for 1-2 minutes. It moves both Qi and Blood in the chest, addressing the root cause and the symptoms.
  • Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao - "Three Yin Intersection"): A master point for moving Blood Stasis.
    • Location: On your inner lower leg, four finger-widths up from the tip of your inner ankle bone, just behind the shin bone (tibia).
    • How to: Apply firm pressure for 1-2 minutes. This point has a powerful effect on invigorating Blood throughout the whole body. (Note: Avoid this point during pregnancy).

By taking these proactive steps and working closely with your medical team, you can actively support the health of your heart and circulation.