Blood Is The Root Of Women

In Chinese Medicine, dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1127) it was noted in the texts that “blood is the root of women” that guides gynaecological treatment.

In women and menstruators, blood is our foundation. The health of your period matters. Your period in gynaecological health is your 5th vital sign.

The lower Dan Tian is our alchemy centre. It’s our rites of passage, lady palace, golden stove our gateway to the sacred cosmos, ancestral lineage and the potentiality of life. 

What Does "Blood" Mean in Chinese Medicine?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Blood (Xue) is far more than the red fluid circulating through our veins as understood in Western physiology. Blood is considered a vital substance, deeply connected to Qi (energy), that nourishes every tissue, organ and cell in the body. It anchors the Shen (spirit), moistens the skin and hair, and provides the material foundation from which the menstrual cycle, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum recovery all draw.

For menstruators, Blood is uniquely significant. Each month, the body builds, stores, moves and releases Blood as part of the menstrual cycle, an ongoing cycle of creation and release that doesn't exist in quite the same way for men. This is part of why TCM places such deep emphasis on Blood health specifically for women, it is quite literally the root from which reproductive and overall health grows.

Which Organs Govern Blood?

Several organ systems work together to produce, store and move Blood in TCM:

• The Spleen is responsible for transforming food and fluids into Blood, this is why digestive health is so closely tied to Blood sufficiency

• The Liver stores Blood and is responsible for the smooth, free flow of both Qi and Blood throughout the body, including to the uterus

• The Heart governs the circulation of Blood and houses the Shen, connecting emotional wellbeing directly to Blood health

• The Kidneys hold Jing (essence), the deep reserve that Blood draws upon, particularly relevant to fertility, menstruation and the ageing process

When these systems are working harmoniously, Blood flows freely, menstruation is regular and comfortable, and there's a general sense of vitality, calm and rootedness.

Signs of Blood Deficiency

When Blood becomes deficient, meaning there isn't enough of it, or it isn't being produced adequately, common signs include:

• Pale complexion or pale lips

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Dry skin and hair

• Scanty or light menstrual flow

• Delayed or absent periods

• Fatigue and low energy

• Poor concentration or "brain fog"

• Anxiety, insomnia or a restless, "ungrounded" feeling

• Numbness or tingling in the extremities

Signs of Blood Stagnation

When Blood isn't deficient but isn't moving freely, known as Blood stagnation, common signs include:

• Sharp, stabbing menstrual pain

• Dark blood with clots

• Fixed, localised pain (rather than pain that moves around)

• Irregular cycles

• A feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvis

• Conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids are often, in part, associated with Blood stagnation in TCM theory

How to Nourish and Support Healthy Blood

• Eat Blood-nourishing foods, such as dark leafy greens, beetroot, red meat (if not vegetarian), goji berries, dates and bone broth

• Support your Spleen, since the Spleen is responsible for Blood production, warm, cooked, easily digestible meals support this process far better than excessive raw or cold foods

• Move gently and consistently, movement supports the smooth flow of both Qi and Blood, helping to prevent stagnation

• Rest during menstruation, TCM traditionally emphasises rest during your period, as this is when the body is actively releasing Blood and needs less depletion elsewhere

• Manage stress, since the Liver is highly sensitive to stress and emotional tension, and the Liver governs the smooth flow of Blood

• Consider acupuncture and herbal medicine, both are traditionally used to support Blood production, movement and overall balance, tailored to your individual constitution

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "Blood" in Chinese Medicine the same as blood in Western medicine? Not exactly. While there is overlap, TCM's concept of Blood is a broader, more functional concept that includes nourishment, moisture and the material basis for menstruation and reproduction, rather than referring purely to the biomedical substance.

Can Blood deficiency and Blood stagnation happen at the same time? Yes, it's actually quite common. Many people experience elements of both, for example, a generally deficient constitution with pockets of localised stagnation, particularly around the pelvis and reproductive organs.

How is Blood health assessed in Chinese Medicine? A TCM practitioner will typically assess Blood health through your menstrual cycle characteristics (flow, colour, clotting, pain), pulse and tongue diagnosis, and a broader conversation about your energy, sleep, digestion and emotional wellbeing.

Can nourishing my Blood help with period pain? Many people find that supporting Blood health, whether through diet, acupuncture, herbal medicine or lifestyle changes, can help ease period pain over time, particularly when the root cause involves Blood deficiency or stagnation. As always, persistent or severe pain is worth discussing with a qualified practitioner.

Does Blood health change throughout a woman's life? Yes, TCM views Blood and Kidney essence as gradually shifting across life stages, from menarche through the reproductive years, pregnancy and postpartum, and into perimenopause and menopause. Each stage places different demands on Blood, which is part of why treatment approaches often shift as we age.

Understanding Blood as the root of women's health offers a beautifully holistic lens, one that reminds us the menstrual cycle isn't isolated from the rest of the body, but a reflection of how well we're nourished, how freely we move, and how deeply we're able to rest and restore.

Amanda is the founder of Angea and has over 12 years of experience working with women to support their health journey. In addition to being a registered doctor of Chinese medicine, Amanda is a yoga teacher and founder of Mindful Pregnancy Yoga Training. Amanda offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and womb healing treatments at Angea.