Cardiac Burning Sensationaccording to TCM

What is Cardiac Burning Sensation?

A cardiac burning sensation refers to a feeling of heat or burning in the chest region, often indicative of underlying heart conditions but can also arise from gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux. This symptom can manifest variably as chest heat, discomfort, or an unpleasant warmth sensation localized to the heart area. The sensation might be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath, making it crucial for individuals to seek medical evaluation to determine the precise cause and appropriate treatment.

How does TCM View Cardiac Burning Sensation?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets a cardiac burning sensation as a symptom of internal disharmony rather than a specific disease. This perspective focuses on the flow and balance of Qi (vital energy) and the health of the Heart and related meridians.

TCM practitioners believe that identifying the correct pattern of imbalance—whether it relates to Qi, Yin, or Yang—is essential before any effective treatment can be prescribed. This approach contrasts with Western medicine, which typically targets the symptom directly through medication or surgical interventions.

Root Causes of Cardiac Burning Sensation in TCM

In TCM, cardiac burning sensation is associated with many patterns such as Empty-Heat from Yin Deficiency or Pericardium Fire. Empty-Heat from Yin Deficiency involves a deep-seated dryness and heat due to a lack of nourishing Yin Body Fluids, presenting with symptoms like night sweats, dry mouth, and a chronic feeling of heat.

Pericardium Fire refers to an excess heat condition specifically affecting the Heart's protective layer, manifesting as chest heat, palpitations, and insomnia. Understanding these underlying causes helps in crafting a treatment strategy that not only addresses the symptoms but also restores internal balance.

Explore below more details about what might cause Cardiac burning sensation according to TCM.

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Cardiac Burning Sensation

Common Symptoms: Restlessness Insomnia Mouth Ulcers Scanty And Dark Urine Anxiety Thirst Tongue Ulcers Afternoon Heat Sensation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency	Chest heat, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones... see more	Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Suan Zao Ren Tang
Pericardium Fire	Chest heat, Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid breath, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation... see more	Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine	Unconfortable heat sensation in the chest, Restlessness, Insomnia, Tongue ulcers, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Urinary burning... see more	Dao Chi San

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Cardiac Burning Sensation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency	Chest heat, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones... see more	Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Suan Zao Ren Tang

Mind Disturbance

In TCM "Shen" refers to the mind or spirit, and a Shen disturbance is a pattern of disharmony that affects the mental and emotional state. This concept reflects the TCM belief in the deep interconnectedness of mind and body. Symptoms of Shen disturbance can vary widely but often include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, confusion, or in severe cases, hallucinations or delirium. These symptoms indicate an imbalance in the body's energies affecting the heart, which in TCM is not only the center of blood circulation but also the seat of the mind and consciousness. The root of Shen disturbance can be traced to various factors, including emotional stress, physical illness, or an imbalance in fundamental substances like Qi, Yin, or Yang.... see more

Mind Disturbance Patterns That Can Lead to Cardiac Burning Sensation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Pericardium Fire	Chest heat, Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid breath, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation... see more	Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan

Summer Heat

"Summer-Heat" in TCM is a unique concept that refers to a pattern of disharmony often associated with the hot summer months. Imagine the intense heat of summer stressing your body, like being in a sweltering, humid environment for too long. This can lead to symptoms like feeling overheated, excessive sweating, a feeling of irritation, and sometimes even nausea or dizziness. In TCM, this condition is thought to arise from the external environment's heat affecting the body's internal balance. It's similar to how we might feel uncomfortable and out of sorts on a very hot day. ... see more

Summer Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Cardiac Burning Sensation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Summer-Heat entering the Lesser Yin and Terminal Yin warps	Heat in the Heart, Wasting, Thirst, Cardiac burning sensation, Irritability, Restlessness, Paralysis, Loss of consciousness, Abnormal behavior, Muscle numbness, Muscle spasm... see more	Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang

Pericardium

In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more

Pericardium Patterns That Can Lead to Cardiac Burning Sensation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Pericardium Fire	Chest heat, Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid breath, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation... see more	Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan

Small Intestine

In TCM the Small Intestine plays a critical role in receiving partially digested food from the Stomach and further separating the clear from the turbid, essentially distinguishing nutrients from waste. This process is vital for proper absorption and assimilation of food. The Small Intestine is also associated with clarity of judgment and decision-making. When it malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, poor appetite, or irregular bowel movements. Additionally, a malfunctioning Small Intestine may manifest as mental confusion or difficulty in making decisions, reflecting its role in discernment and clarity in both physical and mental realms. ... see more

Small Intestine Patterns That Can Lead to Cardiac Burning Sensation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine	Unconfortable heat sensation in the chest, Restlessness, Insomnia, Tongue ulcers, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Urinary burning... see more	Dao Chi San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Cardiac Burning Sensation

For treating cardiac burning sensation, TCM recommends different herbal formulas based on the specific diagnosed pattern. For symptoms stemming from Yin Deficiency, the formula Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, which includes key ingredients like Softshell Turtle Shells (Bie Jia), is used to nourish Yin and clear deficient heat.

In cases of Pericardium Fire, Xie Xin Tang is preferred, utilizing Rhubarb (Da Huang) to clear excess heart fire and resolve toxicity. These formulas are part of a broader strategy to cool down excess heat and replenish the body’s fundamental substances, thereby alleviating discomfort and restoring health.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address cardiac burning sensation, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Heat:
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause cardiac burning sensation, such as Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

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All Formulas Recommended for Cardiac Burning Sensation Caused by Heat

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Xie Xin Tang	Pericardium Fire
Zi Xue Dan	Pericardium Fire
Dao Chi San	Full-Heat in the Small Intestine

Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang

Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause cardiac burning sensation, such as Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

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All Formulas Recommended for Cardiac Burning Sensation Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

Top Formula for Mind Disturbance:
Xie Xin Tang

Suitable for Mind Disturbance patterns that may cause cardiac burning sensation, such as Pericardium Fire

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All Formulas Recommended for Cardiac Burning Sensation Caused by Mind Disturbance

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Xie Xin Tang	Pericardium Fire
Zi Xue Dan	Pericardium Fire

Top Formula for Summer Heat:
Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang

Suitable for Summer Heat patterns that may cause cardiac burning sensation, such as Summer-Heat entering the Lesser Yin and Terminal Yin warps

Learn more

Acupoints for Cardiac Burning Sensation

TCM also employs acupuncture as a method to treat symptoms like cardiac burning sensation. Specific acupoints targeted include Shenzhu DU-12 located on the back, which is used to clear lung heat and calm the mind, among other benefits. Another relevant point is Tianliao TB-15, found at the top of the scapula, which helps remove channel obstructions.

Additionally, Yunmen LU-2, positioned in the deltopectoral triangle of the chest, is effective for dispersing chest fullness and descending lung Qi. These acupoints are strategically chosen to synergize with herbal treatments, enhancing the therapeutic effects and promoting the body’s natural healing processes.

Explore below some acupoints used to address cardiac burning sensation, organized by meridian.

Shenzhu DU-12

On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 3th thoracic vertebra (T3).

Tianliao TB-15

Midway between Jianjing GB-21 and Quyuan SI-13, on top of the superior angle of the scapula.

Yunmen LU-2

On the antero-lateral aspect of the chest, below the lateral extremity of the clavicle, about 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline in the centre of the deltopectoral triangle.