The Importance of Blood Building in TCM for Women’s Health

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), blood is seen as one of the most important things for keeping you healthy. This is especially true for women, as periods and childbirth can really take a toll on your blood levels. So, let’s dive into why blood building is so crucial and how you can keep your blood levels in check. In TCM, ‘blood’ isn’t just the red stuff in your veins. It includes all the vital fluids that keep your body nourished and hydrated and is called Jin Ye. Jin Ye keeps your skin, hair, muscles, and bones healthy and plays a big role in your mental and emotional well-being.

Looking at blood building is crucial in women’s health as having periods and birthing can really affect blood levels. Every month, your body uses up blood during your period, and then again giving birth, this is because the growth of the baby itself is made from Jin Ye. Because of this, women need to pay extra attention to building their blood.

If you’re low on blood, you might notice symptoms like:

• Feeling dizzy or light-headed

• Pale skin, pale tongue, pale inside your eye sockets, pale lips

• Dry skin and hair, brittle nails

• Feeling tired and weak

• Irregular or missing periods

• Heavy or very light periods

• Feeling tired post bleed

In TCM, your spleen (in TCM organs correspond to more elements than we associate with it in the west) is the superstar when it comes to making blood. It takes the food you eat, the emotions you experience and everything you absorb in order to transport and transform all those different types of nourishment into energy (Qi) and blood. If your spleen is happy and healthy, it means your body will have plenty of blood and energy to keep everything running smoothly. But if your spleen is struggling, you might end up with low blood. By nourishing the spleen we can encourage your body to create Jin Ye. In this post we will look at ways you can do this through mindfulness and movement practices, herbs and acupressure points to help build your blood.

How to Build Blood

1. Get Enough Rest: Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and not overworking yourself.

2. Manage Stress: Try activities like Qi Gong, or Yoga to keep stress levels down. The negative emotion of the spleen is worry, over thinking and repeating the same thoughts over and over. Meditation practices that help calm the mind can be great at relieving and calming a worried mind.

1. Eat Blood-Building Foods: Add foods like dark leafy greens, beets, organ meats, eggs, adzuki beans and bone broth to your diet.

1. Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): Known as the “female ginseng,” it’s great for regulating periods and is one of the main blood building herbs in TCM. Make sure to source organic ingredients for optimal nutrition and check in with a herbalist to ensure this is suitable for you.

2. Acupressure points: Some accupressure points can be used for nourishing blood, helping blood production, smooth flowing blood in the body and so much more.

3. See an experienced acupuncturist or TCM doctor: They will be able to tailor care and advice specific to your individual needs and look at root causes of imbalance.

If you want to get started at home try these suggestions below; 

Tea: Blood Building Tea

Ingredients:

• 10g Dang Gui

• 10g JuJube (chinese red dates)

• 5g Goji Berries

• 3 slices of Ginger

Instructions:

1. Boil the ingredients in filtered water then simmer for 20- 30 minutes.

2. Strain and drink the tea warm, you can drink this throughout the day.

Note: Don’t drink this during your period if you have heavy bleeding, great as a post period tea!

Acupressure Point: Spleen 6 (SP6)

SP6, also known as Spleen 6 or "San Yin Jiao," is a crucial acupressure point in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It's located on the inner leg, about four finger widths above the ankle bone. This point is known for its powerful effects on various aspects of health, particularly in women. is often used to help regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate menstrual cramps, and address other gynecological issues. It's particularly beneficial for women experiencing irregular periods or amenorrhea and is known to enhance the body's ability to produce and regulate blood, making it an essential point for addressing blood deficiencies. You may find it quite tender to press, take this as a sign its a place you can really benefit from massaging.

How to Use SP6

1. Locate the Point: Find SP6 by measuring four finger widths above the inner ankle bone, along the inner edge of the tibia (shin bone).

2. Apply Pressure: Use your thumb or index finger to apply firm, steady pressure to SP6. You can also make small circular motions while maintaining pressure.

3. Duration: Hold the pressure for about 2-3 minutes. Repeat this process twice a day for the best results.

4. Relax and Breathe: While applying pressure, take deep, slow breaths to enhance the calming and therapeutic effects.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy: Avoid stimulating SP6 during pregnancy as it can induce labor by promoting uterine contractions.

Building blood is crucial for women's health in TCM. By nurturing your spleen, addressing the natural effects of periods and childbirth, and maintaining healthy blood levels, you can keep your body balanced and healthy. Simple lifestyle changes, a nutritious diet, incorporating herbs, exercises, and acupressure can significantly support your blood and overall well-being.

Make sure to check out Moon School for more education and free cyclical practices.

Hope you enjoy trying these out & let me know how you go!