Foods for Moving Qi & Blood

To perform their functions effectively, qi and Blood need to be able to flow freely throughout the body, reaching every organ, tissue, and cell.

One of the best ways to support this movement is by engaging in regular, moderate physical activity. Learning to manage stress and regulate emotions is also key, as is eating plenty of foods that assist qi and Blood circulation. Here are some of the best foods for moving qi and Blood.

The Best Foods for Qi & Blood Circulation

Qi and Blood moving foods can be warm or cool and tend to have a pungent, bitter, or sour flavour. The pungent flavour is dispersing and moves upwards and outwards, while the bitter flavour is draining and moves downwards, and the sour flavour is astringent and moves inwards. Together, this combination keeps qi and Blood flowing in all directions.

The foods that move qi and Blood tend to be similar, although some have more affinity with qi and some with Blood. Therefore, individuals diagnosed with qi stagnation or Blood stasis may want to pay more attention to the properties of specific foods.

That said, a general overview of the best foods for moving qi and Blood is provided below:

Grains

• All, except wheat

Vegetables

• Carrots

• Fennel

• Garlic

• Kohlrabi

• Leeks

• Mustard greens

• Onions

• Spring onions

• Squash (acorn, butternut, etc.)

• Radish

• Turnip

• Watercress

Fruit

• Citrus fruit

• Citrus peel

• Peaches

• Plums

Legumes

• Aduki beans

• Lentils

• Mung beans

Nuts and Seeds

• All in small amounts only

Herbs and Spices

• Anise

• Cardamom

• Chives

• Cloves

• Coriander

• Fennel seeds

• Peppermint

• Turmeric

Meat

• Chicken

Fish

• All

Dairy

• Kefir

• Yoghurt

Beverages

• Coffee

• Digestive bitters

• Spirits (in moderation)

• Tea (any variety)

• Wine

Other Considerations

As with all diets, it is important to consider the health of the digestive organs and follow good eating habits, including eating at regular intervals, not overeating or eating late at night, eating slowly when in a relaxed state of mind, and chewing food well. Taking a gentle walk after eating can also benefit digestion and help to prevent stagnation.

A light diet based on fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is recommended. Meanwhile, some foods to avoid include:

• Refined sugars

• Processed foods

• Rich, greasy foods

• Cold/refrigerated food and drinks

These foods can impair the circulation of qi and Blood and may contribute to stagnation. For personalised advice, book a consultation today and discover the best foods for your unique constitutional needs.

References

• Leggett D (2005) Helping Ourselves (second edition) - Meridian Press, Totnes

• Legget D (2025) Qi Nutrition Online Course