Blood circulation promotion in TCM theory

This entry does not correspond to a defined molecule, receptor, enzyme, transporter, or gene, but rather refers to a therapeutic principle central to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aiming to remedy "blood stasis" by promoting blood circulation. TCM achieves these effects through herbal medicines, acupuncture, and other therapies, targeting system-level processes such as improved hemodynamics, microvascular integrity, and balanced platelet activity. These interventions have been used in the context of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes complications, chronic kidney disease, and cancer, but mapping this principle to a canonical molecular target is inappropriate. Numerous herbs and compounds are cited as "blood circulation promoting" but should be referenced individually if a molecular target is needed. Modern drugs like aspirin and heparin overlap with some mechanistic underpinnings in TCM.

Other names

Promote blood circulation" (TCM principle)Activate blood circulation and remove blood stasisBlood stasis resolution therapyInvigorating blood/qiBlood stasis syndrome treatment

Improve microcirculation, inhibit platelet aggregation, modulate TXA₂/PGI₂ balance, protect vascular endothelium, inhibit Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (leading to increased myocardial contractility), reduce oxidative stress, and regulate lipid metabolism