Understanding Blood Stasis (Eohyeol) in Traditional Korean Medicine
What is Blood Stasis?(=clots)
Blood stasis (Eohyeol, 어혈) refers to old, stagnant blood that fails to circulate properly in the capillaries. Think of it like clogged drains or blocked pipes that prevent water from flowing smoothly. In medical terms, it includes blood clots and thickened, sluggish blood that can cause various health issues.
Different Stages of Blood Stasis vs. Healthy Blood
| Stage | Description | Absorption Test |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Healthy Blood (100%) | Fresh, clean blood that flows smoothly. | Easily absorbs into cotton. |
| 2. Mild Blood Stasis (~15%) | Darker, thicker blood that starts to lose fluidity. | Does not absorb well into cotton. |
| 3. Severe Blood Stasis (~80%) | Sticky, coagulated blood that hardens even under heat. | Thick like glue, completely non-absorbent. |
Blood Stasis: The Root Cause of Many Health Issues(blood clots!)
No one can artificially create blood; it is a gift of life. In traditional medicine, the key to health and disease prevention lies in maintaining clean, free-flowing blood. As the Bible states, “The life of the flesh is in the blood.”
Blocked blood vessels work just like clogged water pipes—accumulated waste disrupts the natural flow, leading to various complications.
How Doctors Explain Blood Vessel Blockages
Medical professionals often compare clogged arteries to blocked plumbing. The same principle applies: when waste accumulates, circulation slows, and problems arise.
Three Types of Blood Stasis That Hinder Circulation
1. Sticky, Sluggish Blood
- High cholesterol (thickened blood) and various toxins slow circulation.
- Over time, these impurities clump together, forming sticky, gel-like substances.
- This thickened blood struggles to pass through capillaries, slowing the entire blood flow—similar to a broken-down truck blocking a narrow alley.
- Even healthy blood behind it gets stuck, worsening the problem.
2. Hardened, Black Blood Clots
- These firm, black clots are deeply lodged in capillaries, often near vital organs or the brain.
- While they are invisible from the outside, they can be extracted through acupuncture or cupping therapy.
- Over time, these clots harden further, blocking blood circulation entirely.
- As more stagnant blood accumulates, the blockage worsens, leading to severe health risks.
3. Ink-Like, Decayed Blood
- This is rare but seen in individuals over 70 with conditions like dementia, chronic migraines, or severe memory loss.
- Blood stagnation that remains in the capillaries for 10-20 years turns dark and thick.
- After another 10-30 years, it decays into a black, ink-like liquid.
- People with this condition often suffer from strokes, dementia, or other late-stage diseases.
- If one could physically see this decomposed blood, it would explain why modern medicine struggles to treat conditions like Alzheimer’s, strokes, and advanced circulatory diseases.
Why Clearing Blood Stasis Matters
In Traditional Korean Medicine, removing blood stasis is essential for restoring proper circulation and preventing chronic diseases. By improving blood flow, the body can naturally heal itself and regain vitality.
Key Takeaways for Better Circulation:
- Reduce thickened blood with proper diet and lifestyle changes.
- Consider traditional therapies like acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine.
- Prioritize regular movement and hydration to support healthy circulation.
Blood health is the foundation of overall well-being. When blood flows freely, the body thrives—when it stagnates, disease follows.