blood stasis obstructing the collaterals

Blood Stasis obstructing the Collaterals refers to static Blood impeding the smaller channels through which Qi and Blood nourish the tissues. Pain is usually fixed, localized, and persistent, and may be sharp or worse at night. Other tendencies depend on the affected region and can include numbness, reduced mobility, dark or purplish discoloration, visible vessels, or firm masses. A dusky or purple tongue, sometimes with petechiae, and a choppy or wiry pulse support the interpretation when present. The phrase emphasizes the location and consequence of stasis: circulation through the collaterals is restricted, so nourishment and movement are impaired. It remains a TCM pattern description rather than a conventional diagnosis of vascular disease.