Circulation (SJ)™

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Overview

Circulation (SJ) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula traditionally used to help support healthy circulation and ease discomfort associated with blood stagnation throughout the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this pattern is traditionally referred to as blood stasis, and this formula combines three classic circulation-supporting formulas traditionally used together for more widespread or long-standing stagnation. This traditional framework is not a medical diagnosis, and any diagnosed cardiovascular, circulatory, or bleeding-related condition should be evaluated and managed by a qualified healthcare professional.

⚠️ Important: Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing, in individuals with bleeding disorders, and in cases of severe frailty or constitutional weakness. Use with caution during menstruation, as it may increase menstrual bleeding; discontinue and resume after menstruation ends. Discontinue 1–2 weeks before any scheduled surgery. Contains Dang Gui; use with caution or avoid alongside anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, and maintain consistent vitamin K intake if taking warfarin (Coumadin). Not intended for continuous use beyond one month. Some individuals notice temporary discomfort in areas of old injury as circulation improves; if this is uncomfortable, reduce the dose and consult a healthcare professional.

Clinical Applications & Benefits

Circulation (SJ) is traditionally used to help support:

• Healthy circulation throughout the body, including the head, torso, and lower body
• Comfort during longstanding discomfort from an old, incompletely resolved injury
• General cardiovascular wellness alongside a healthy lifestyle
• Comfort as an adjunct alongside other formulas when circulation-related stagnation is a complicating factor

People looking to support whole-body circulation traditionally turn to formulas like this one, always alongside professional evaluation and management of any diagnosed cardiovascular, circulatory, gynecological, or digestive condition.

Key Herbs (TCM Data)

— Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) and Hong Hua (Safflower): traditionally used together to activate blood circulation and help ease stagnation.

— Shui Zhi (Leech): traditionally regarded as one of the strongest herbs for supporting healthy circulation and easing stubborn stagnation.

— Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): traditionally used to nourish blood and support healthy circulation; use with caution alongside anticoagulant medications.

— Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum): traditionally used to nourish blood and support healthy circulation, including to the head.

— Di Huang (Rehmannia), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Bark), and Chi Shao (Red Peony Root): traditionally used together to cool the blood and support healthy circulation.

— Zhi Qiao (Bitter Orange), Wu Yao (Lindera Root), and Xiang Fu (Cyperus): traditionally used to regulate qi circulation.

— Jie Geng (Platycodon), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), and Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula Root): traditionally used as channel-guiding herbs to direct the formula's effect throughout the body.

— Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis), Mo Yao (Myrrh), and Pu Huang (Cattail Pollen): traditionally used to help unblock the channels and support comfort.

— Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark): traditionally used to warm the channels and support circulation.

— Bai Shao (White Peony Root) and Gan Cao (Licorice Root): traditionally used to nourish blood and harmonize the formula.

Safety & Contraindications

1. Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing, in individuals with bleeding disorders, and in cases of severe frailty or constitutional weakness.
2. Use with caution during menstruation, as it may increase bleeding; discontinue and resume after menstruation ends.
3. Discontinue 1–2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.
4. Contains Dang Gui; use with caution or avoid alongside warfarin (Coumadin) or other anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Maintain consistent vitamin K intake if taking warfarin.
5. Not intended for continuous use beyond one month, as strong blood-moving herbs may contribute to blood deficiency with prolonged use.
6. Any diagnosed cardiovascular, circulatory, gynecological, or digestive condition should be evaluated and managed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Dosage & Directions

Standard dosage: 3–4 capsules three times daily. Not intended for continuous use beyond one month.

Adjunct use: Some people add 1–2 capsules to the regular dose of another formula to help support overall circulation.

Supplementary formulas: For general cardiovascular support, this formula is traditionally paired with Circulation. For occasional stress, it is traditionally paired with Calm. For general joint or muscle discomfort, it is traditionally paired with Herbal ANG.

Holistic Nutrition & Lifestyle

Nutrition: Foods and nutrients traditionally associated with cardiovascular wellness — such as L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, and a balanced multivitamin — are traditionally recommended, along with adequate calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Drinking warm liquids with meals rather than cold drinks is traditionally encouraged, along with reducing sugar, fried and greasy foods, and processed meats.

Lifestyle: Regular exercise is traditionally encouraged to help keep blood vessels healthy and flexible. Reducing alcohol and tobacco use is also traditionally recommended to support long-term cardiovascular wellness.

Case Studies

The following reflect individual practitioner experiences and traditional use; results vary and are not guarantees of outcome for any individual.

"L.P., a 28-year-old woman, experienced frequent, intense head discomfort, consistent with a Liver yang rising pattern with blood stasis. After starting Circulation (SJ), she reported the discomfort eased considerably and became far less frequent."

"An 81-year-old woman experienced ongoing discomfort and altered sensation in her feet, consistent with a blood stasis and Kidney deficiency pattern. While managing her blood sugar levels with her care team, she reported that Circulation (SJ) helped support comfort."

"A 25-year-old man experienced significant longstanding discomfort and sensitivity in his ankle following a past injury, consistent with a severe blood stasis pattern. After adding Circulation (SJ) to his acupuncture routine, he reported a steady improvement in comfort and sensitivity over several weeks."

Related Reading

Also see: Circulation – for general cardiovascular support, Calm – for stress support, and the Cardiovascular & Blood Pressure Support Collection for related formulas.

Not sure if this is the right formula for you? Start with our Unified Search, browse by symptom with our Symptom & Formula Finder, or use our Lab Test & Formula Reference.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.