High blood viscosity, also known as blood thickening, is medically referred to as high viscosity syndrome, which is more common in middle-aged and elderly people.
Blood viscosity is influenced by various factors, including blood cell factors such as the number, size, shape, deformability of blood cells, and platelet function. Plasma factors such as plasma proteins (especially fibrinogen, immunoglobulins), blood sugar, blood lipids, fibrinolytic activity, etc. Vascular factors such as vascular length, diameter, and endothelial smoothness. Other factors such as emotions, lifestyle, smoking, and alcohol consumption. If any of these factors are impaired or abnormal, blood viscosity may increase.
When blood becomes viscous, it can damage capillaries and even block them. As a result, not only oxygen and nutrients cannot be transported properly, but the surrounding cells may also die. Furthermore, enlarged blood vessels are prone to accumulate fat, cholesterol, calcium, etc., making it even more difficult for blood to flow through. If left untreated, it may cause headaches, forgetfulness, shoulder and back pain, edema, pigmentation, wrinkles, menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea, hair loss, insomnia, and coldness. It can also accelerate the hardening of arterial blood vessels and even lead to major diseases such as cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction.
Experts say that when a woman's blood becomes viscous, she is at risk of experiencing health problems at any time, such as frequent fatigue, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, frequent headaches, dry and sensitive skin, cold hands and feet, dry and yellow hair, shoulder pain, and dysmenorrhea, etc.
Therefore, women should purify their blood in a timely manner. The following are acupressure points that can help purify the blood and promote health.
To purify the blood, it is necessary to regularly massage the four main acupressure points. These are the Hegu point, located one inch below the tiger's mouth on the back of the hand, the Zusanli point, located three inches below the kneecap, the Weizhong point, located in the middle of the depression below the knee, and the Lieque point, located at the intersection of the tiger's mouth of both hands, where the index finger is pressed. These four acupressure points cover most of the body's organs, so they can effectively address problems caused by blood viscosity. Massage each acupressure point for 3 minutes, until a slight soreness is felt.
Foods that purify the blood
To prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the blood, which can cause oxidation products to adhere to the blood vessel walls and hinder blood circulation, there are several types of foods that can help purify the blood:
Soy-based foods: Isoflavones in soy have similar effects to estrogen, which can prevent fat oxidation and cholesterol adhesion to blood vessel walls.
Green tea: The bitter components in green tea can reduce cholesterol levels and inhibit blood sugar spikes.
Red wine: Red wine contains polyphenols, and moderate consumption can help prevent cholesterol oxidation.
Foods rich in vitamin C, E, and carotene: such as broccoli, lemon, nuts, and carrots, can improve blood viscosity.
Foods that promote blood flow
Dietary fiber: Seaweed, mushrooms, taro, etc. contain dietary fiber that can absorb and break down cholesterol, and then excrete it from the body.
Unsaturated fatty acids: Including mackerel, sardines, salmon, tuna, etc., which contain unsaturated fatty acids such as DHA and EPA, can inhibit platelet aggregation, help dissolve blood clots, and increase the level of "good cholesterol", keeping the blood clear.
Citric acid: Vinegar, lemon, etc. contain citric acid, which can promote the excretion of waste products from the blood, inhibit platelet aggregation, and prevent adhesion to blood vessel walls.
As we can see, acupressure and dietary therapy are both effective methods for purifying the blood and promoting blood flow. Moreover, these methods have no toxic side effects and can contribute to overall health and well-being.
