Nutrition Guidelines for Blood Stasis

In TCM, blood stasis refers to impaired blood circulation. Research has demonstrated
that reduced blood circulation can have a profound effect on the body; it can result in
decreased oxygen supply, and impaired endocrine and immune system function.
Reducing foods that stagnate circulation (cold food, highly processed food, oily, fatty
foods) and increasing foods that dispel stasis (fragrant, lightly spiced food) is
recommended. Other food recommendations include establishing regular eating times,
eating moderate amounts of food at each meal, and chewing thoroughly in order to both
savor flavours and adequately stimulate the digestive system.
For blood stasis, the ratio of food groups should be as follows:
40-60% lightly cooked vegetables
30% complex carbohydrates
10% protein
Foods that Dispel Blood Stasis
Turmeric, basil, nutmeg, oregano, rosemary, white pepper
hawthorne berries, shallots, leeks, chives, garlic, ginger, taro root
eggplant, mushrooms
adzuki beans, kidney beans, chestnuts
crab, jellyfish, mussels, clams, sea cucumber, abalone, kelp, seaweed
red wine (small amounts), vinegar
Foods to Restrict or Avoid
salads, raw vegetables, raw fruit
excess amounts of tofu, dairy, nut butters, high oil foods
Overly sweet food, refined sugar, high doses of vitamin C
Cold food like ice cream or smoothies, iced drinks