Dark Circles & TCM Blood Stasis: A Practical Guide to Better Circulation

Explore how TCM views dark circles as a sign of Blood Stasis. Learn the causes, diet tips, and acupressure points to support circulation and reduce puffiness.

You've tried every eye cream, concealer, and cucumber slice, yet those dark circles under your eyes refuse to budge. If you're tired of looking exhausted even after a full night's sleep, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different perspective: dark circles may be a sign of Blood Stasis, a pattern where circulation slows and blood doesn't flow freely. This article explores the TCM view of dark circles, practical diet and lifestyle tips, and acupressure points to support healthy circulation. This is general wellness education, not a substitute for professional medical care.

Blood Stasis (Xue Yu) is a TCM pattern where blood flow is sluggish or blocked, leading to symptoms like dark circles, fixed pain, and a purplish tongue. It is one of the the 9 TCM body constitution types recognised in TCM. In TCM theory, blood should move smoothly like a river; when it stagnates, it can cause discoloration and discomfort. Dark circles under the eyes are often seen as a visible sign of this stagnation, especially when they are bluish or purple and persist despite adequate rest. Unlike temporary puffiness from a late night, Blood Stasis-related dark circles tend to be chronic and may worsen with stress or cold.

• Dark circles that are persistent and often bluish or purple
• A complexion that appears dull or slightly dusky
• Fixed, stabbing pain in a specific area (e.g., headaches, menstrual cramps)
• A tendency to bruise easily
• Cold hands and feet, especially in air-conditioned rooms
• A purple or dark tongue body (you can check in a mirror)
• Varicose veins or spider veins
• Irregular periods with dark clots
• Skin that is dry or rough in patches
• A feeling of tightness or stiffness in the shoulders and neck

If you recognise several of these, Blood Stasis may be a factor in your constitution.

Several modern habits can contribute to Blood Stasis:

• Prolonged sitting: Desk jobs and long commutes slow circulation, especially in the legs and pelvis.
• Chronic stress: Stress constricts blood vessels and disrupts the smooth flow of Qi, which TCM says moves blood.
• Cold exposure: Iced drinks, air conditioning, and cold foods can cause blood vessels to constrict, impeding circulation.
• Poor diet: High intake of processed foods, unhealthy fats, and refined sugars can lead to sluggishness and inflammation, affecting blood quality.

In TCM, food therapy aims to warm, move, and invigorate blood. Here are some guidelines:

Foods to Eat

• Beets: Traditionally used to nourish and move blood; rich in nitrates that support circulation.
• Ginger: Warming and moving; add fresh ginger to tea or stir-fries.
• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which may support healthy inflammatory response; use in cooking or golden milk.
• Dark leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard provide iron and chlorophyll.
• Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are rich in antioxidants and support capillary health.
• Salmon and other oily fish: Omega-3s may support healthy blood flow.
• Garlic and onions: Traditionally used to invigorate blood and support cardiovascular health.
• Black beans and kidney beans: Nourish blood and support kidney function.

Foods to Avoid

• Iced drinks and cold foods: They can constrict blood vessels; opt for warm or room-temperature beverages.
• Excessive refined sugars and processed foods: They can contribute to sluggishness and inflammation.
• Too much salt: May contribute to fluid retention and high blood pressure.
• Trans fats and hydrogenated oils: Promote inflammation and impair circulation.
• Excess alcohol: Can heat the blood and create stagnation over time.

Acupressure can help stimulate circulation and move Qi and blood. Apply gentle, steady pressure with your thumb or index finger for 1-2 minutes per point, 3 times per week.

1. LV3 (Liver 3): Located on the top of the foot, between the first and second toes, where the bones meet. This point is traditionally used to move Qi and blood, and is especially helpful for stress-related stagnation.
2. SP6 (Spleen 6): About four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, just behind the shin bone. It nourishes blood and supports circulation, and is commonly used for gynecological and circulatory issues.
3. ST36 (Stomach 36): Below the kneecap, about four finger-widths down and one finger-width outward from the shin bone. This point is known as a general vitality point, supporting digestion and overall circulation.

• Spring: Focus on liver health; eat leafy greens and practice stretching to move Qi.
• Summer: Stay hydrated with warm or room-temperature fluids; avoid excessive air conditioning.
• Autumn: Incorporate warming spices like cinnamon and ginger; protect your neck and ankles from cold.
• Winter: Keep warm, especially the lower back and feet; enjoy soups and stews with blood-moving herbs like turmeric and black pepper.

Ready to put this into practice? Our free Acupressure Self-Care Finder helps you locate the best points for self-massage to support circulation—it takes about a minute and gives you a personalised point routine. If you want a complete picture of your constitution across all 9 dimensions, take our free TCM Body Type Quiz to discover your full TCM body type and get tailored recommendations.

Q: Can TCM cure dark circles?

A: TCM does not cure conditions; it aims to support the body's natural balance. Many people find that addressing Blood Stasis through diet, acupressure, and lifestyle helps reduce the appearance of dark circles over time.

Q: How long does it take to see results?

A: Results vary. Some notice improvement in a few weeks, while others may take a few months of consistent practice.

Q: Are there any risks with acupressure?

A: Acupressure is generally safe when done gently. Avoid deep pressure on injured areas, and consult a healthcare provider if you have a medical condition.

Q: Can I use herbs for Blood Stasis?

A: Herbs like turmeric and ginger are commonly used in cooking. However, consult a qualified practitioner before using concentrated herbal supplements, especially if you are on medication.

Q: What if my dark circles don't improve?

A: Dark circles can have multiple causes, including allergies, genetics, and sleep issues. If they persist, consult a doctor or dermatologist for a proper evaluation.

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References:

1. World Health Organization. WHO International Standard Terminologies on Traditional Medicine in the Western Pacific Region. 2007. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/206952
2. Liu, Z., et al. 'Blood Stasis Syndrome and Its Relationship with Inflammation and Immune Response.' Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015; 2015: 1-10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26221176/
3. Chen, K.J., et al. 'Acupuncture for Blood Stasis Syndrome: A Systematic Review.' Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, 2018; 5(1): 1-12. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095754817301043
4. Wang, L., et al. 'Acupressure and Blood Circulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.' Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2016; 22(5): 365-371. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27058464/
5. GB/T 39616-2020. 'Classification and Judgment of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution.' National Standards of the People's Republic of China, 2020.
6. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 'Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know.' https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/traditional-chinese-medicine-what-you-need-to-know

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References & Citations

1. World Health Organization. WHO International Standard Terminologies on Traditional Medicine in the Western Pacific Region. 2007. [iris.who.int]
2. Liu Z, et al. Blood Stasis Syndrome and Its Relationship with Inflammation and Immune Response. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015;2015:1-10. [pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
3. Chen KJ, et al. Acupuncture for Blood Stasis Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences. 2018;5(1):1-12. [www.sciencedirect.com]
4. Wang L, et al. Acupressure and Blood Circulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2016;22(5):365-371. [pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
5. GB/T 39616-2020. Classification and Judgment of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution. National Standards of the People's Republic of China. 2020.
6. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know. [www.nccih.nih.gov]