In TCM, blood is considered to be one of vital substances we need in order to survive. Not only does it carry vital nutrients to the body (like oxygen and glucose), it carries all the nutrition we need to nourish ever part of ourselves physically and mentally.
TCM - How is blood made?
The healthy foods and fluids we consume are transformed into food essence by our stomach and spleen, this food essence is then sent upwards to combine with the air qi in our lungs and finally this combination of food essence and air qi is sent to the heart where, with a little help from our kidney fire, it is turned into blood. This is why diet and lifestyle are so important to your health; the source of healthy blood is good nutrition and clean fresh air!
Why is blood so important?
Blood is a yin substance that nourishes and moistens our whole body. It also provides the foundation for our consciousness; the Chinese say that the blood ‘houses the mind’ so healthy blood is vital for clear thinking, good memory, good mental health and even a good night’s sleep. The blood acts like an anchor to keep our mind grounded and settled. It is essential for healthy skin, muscles and tendons. Blood keeps our muscles subtle and well nourished allowing smooth movement and flexibility. It moistens and brightens our eyes, keeps our nails strong and adds shine to our hair.
Women need healthy blood in order to have regular, pain-free periods. In women, an extra special form of blood, known as tian gui, nourishes the uterus. Tian Gui is often translated as ‘heavenly water’ to describe it’s extra special importance in the reproductive cycle. Tian gui arrives once women enter the reproductive phase of their lives and is essential for healthy development, fertility and hormonal balance. This is why it is so important to look after our blood to nourish all aspects of our health.
