🩸Nourishing the Blood with Food, According to TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Blood (Xue) is more than that which flows through our veins. It’s the foundation of vitality, mental clarity, emotional balance and physical strength. When Blood is abundant and flowing smoothly, we feel grounded, calm, and radiant. When it’s deficient, we may experience fatigue, dizziness, pale complexion, dry skin, brittle nails, insomnia or even anxiety.

One of the most natural and effective ways to build and nourish Blood is through food. Let’s explore how TCM views Blood nourishment and which foods can help restore balance, boost energy and support the menstrual cycle.

Understanding Blood in TCM

In TCM, Blood is closely connected to three key ‘organs’:

• The Spleen, which transforms food into Qi and Blood.

• The Liver, which stores and regulates the smooth flow of Blood.

• The Heart, which governs circulation and houses the mind (Shen).

When these organs are out of balance, through stress, overwork or poor diet, Blood Deficiency can develop. Restoring harmony through gentle, nourishing foods can help rebuild energy and vitality.

Signs You May Have Blood Deficiency

Some common signs include:

• Pale complexion or lips

• Light or irregular menstruation

• Dry hair or skin

• Dizziness or blurred vision

• Restless sleep or vivid dreams

• Low energy or feeling ungrounded

If these symptoms sound familiar, you may benefit from focusing on Blood-nourishing foods and supportive acupuncture treatments.

Top Blood-Nourishing Foods in TCM

🥩 Protein

• Meat (poultry, liver, heart)

• Bone broth

• Eggs

• Oily fish, sardines, salmon, cuttlefish

🌿 Vegetables

• Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, beet greens)

• Beetroot

• Black beans, aduki beans and kidney beans

• Carrots and pumpkins

• Seaweed

🍇 Fruits and Berries

• Chinese red dates

• Grapes, figs, dates

• Lychee

• Dried apricot

• Mulberries, cherries, and blackberries

🌰 Nuts and Seeds

• Black sesame seeds, flax seeds

• Walnuts, almonds

• Pine nuts, chestnuts

🫖 Tea

• Roiboos, nettle, hibiscus, hawthorne, reship, lemon balm

🌾 Grains and Herbs

• Sweet rice, jasmine rice

• Molasses

• Fresh herbs eg parsley, chopped and sprinkled or added to a dish just before serving

The Zen·6 Approach

At Zen·6 Acupuncture in Highgate, we combine acupuncture with personalised food and lifestyle recommendations to help restore balance from the root. Whether you’re looking to rebuild energy, regulate your cycle or simply feel more grounded, nourishing your Blood is an essential first step.

If you’re ready to restore vitality and find harmony within your body, we invite you to book a consultation at Zen·6. Together, we’ll create a plan that supports your body’s natural healing.