Circulation

Circulation, as defined within the framework of Western medicine, embodies the orchestrated movement of blood through the vascular system, facilitated by the rhythmic contraction of the heart, thus serving to expel waste and disperse vital nutrients throughout the body (Sadek, M. et al., 2020, Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine).

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views compromised circulation through the lens of blood stasis, an outcome of Qi deficiency, Qi stagnation, and internal cold (Xia et al., 2021, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine). Qi, regarded as the fundamental life force or vital energy stored within the kidneys, manifests in both the physical and emotional realms. The derivation of Qi is attributed to two primary sources: ancestral inheritance and the assimilation of essential substances encompassing air, food, and water. Etiological factors contributing to Qi deficiencies encompass inadequate nutrition and digestion, persistent stress, and constrained respiration (Li et al., 2018, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine). The consequences of Qi deficiency manifest as somatic weariness and bodily weakness, underscoring the integral role of Qi in sustaining bodily vitality (Liao et al., 2014, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine).