Blood Stasis Diet

Smooth circulation of Qi and blood is of utmost importance in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine theory.  Without it, tissues are not nourished with oxygen and nutrients and metabolic wastes are not cleared from the system.  Western medicine also recognizes blood stasis as a major issue but generally only when it has progressed to a degree that makes it life threatening such as stroke, heart attack, or deep vein thrombosis.  From and acupuncturist's point of view, these conditions usually don’t suddenly develop so acutely but are the culmination of long term issues with blood flow.  In fact one of the main goals of acupuncture treatments is to ensure the smooth flow of blood in the body.  In Acupuncture and Chinese medicine theory, blood stasis patterns are recognized very early on when symptoms are not so severe.  An acupuncturist will recognize common symptoms of blood stasis, which may include pain, insomnia, cold extremities, feverishness, menstrual irregularities, headaches, fibromyalgia, and low energy and can help to improve blood circulation using acupuncture and other TCM therapies.  In reality symptoms can be anywhere the lack of circulation is most extreme.  Regular acupuncture by a properly trained acupuncturist and taking "blood moving" herbs are very powerful therapies used to restore smooth blood circulation.

Some of the phrases commonly referencing the blood in acupuncture and TCM theory include:  

Recommendations
Macronutrients should be composed of 40-60% while grains and starchy root vegetables, 30-40% cooked vegetables, and 10-20%.  This is meant to be a tonifying diet and should be hearty though not overly rich and greasy. 

Specific foods for Blood Stasis 
spices such as cayenne, basil, ginger, rosemary, oregano, chives, onions, garlic, turmeric, pepper, etc
beans especially aduki and kidney beans
aduki beans, black beans,  chick peas, fave beans
leafy green vegetables (lightly cooked)

Foods to restrict or avoid 
excess salad and raw vegetables which are thought to cause constriction and slow circulation 
overly rich and greasy foods including dairy and nut butters,
cold foods, iced drinks including iced water, smoothies, ice cream