Coronary Artery Diseaseaccording to TCM

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What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease, is the most common type of cardiovascular disease. It occurs when the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of cholesterol and other materials, known as plaque. This can reduce blood flow to the heart, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, heart attacks. Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, making its prevention and treatment critical components of cardiovascular health management.

How does TCM View Coronary Artery Disease?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views coronary artery disease not just as a problem of the heart or blood vessels but as a manifestation of deeper imbalances within the body's vital energy, or Qi. According to TCM, the health of the heart is connected to the overall harmony of internal organs and the circulation of Qi and Blood. Disease arises when there is stagnation or imbalance in these energies, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment that restores balance and enhances the body’s natural healing abilities.

Causes of Coronary Artery Disease According to TCM

In TCM, coronary artery disease is often attributed to patterns such as Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis. Qi Stagnation can occur within the chest area, leading to chest pain and circulatory problems reminiscent of angina. Blood Stasis, meanwhile, refers to the obstruction of Blood flow, which can manifest in symptoms similar to those of coronary artery disease.

These patterns reflect an underlying disharmony in the flow of energy and Blood, and their identification is crucial for targeting treatment that aims to invigorate the blood and resolve stagnation, thereby alleviating symptoms and preventing disease progression.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Coronary Artery Disease

TCM offers several herbal formulas to treat patterns associated with coronary artery disease. For example, Xuan Fu Hua Tang and Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang are prescribed to invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation, which is crucial for alleviating symptoms of Qi Stagnation in the chest and improving Blood flow. These formulas contain herbs like Inula Flowers and Peach Kernels, which are specifically chosen for their properties that address heart and circulatory issues.

Another formula, Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang, uses Cinnamon twigs to warm the Interior and boost the heart's energy. These treatments reflect TCM’s comprehensive approach, aiming not only to relieve symptoms but also to restore the body’s balance and health.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address coronary artery disease, organized by formula type.

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior
  • Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
  • Formulas that regulate blood
  • Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
  • Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
  • Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
  • Formulas that tonify qi and blood
  • Formulas that clear qi-level heat
  • Formulas that warm interior cold

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for coronary artery disease

Formula Key herbs
Xuan Fu Hua Tang Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua)
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), Safflowers (Hong Hua), Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong)

Acupoints for Coronary Artery Disease

TCM also incorporates acupuncture in the treatment of coronary artery disease, targeting specific acupoints to enhance therapeutic outcomes. One such point is Jueyinshu BL-14, located near the spine, which is used to regulate heart function, open the chest, and ease pain.

This acupoint is part of the Bladder Channel, which is integral to treating heart-related symptoms according to TCM principles. By stimulating this point, practitioners aim to improve energy flow, reduce chest discomfort, and support overall heart health, demonstrating the integrated approach of TCM in managing complex diseases like coronary artery disease.

See more details below about Jueyinshu BL-14, an acupoint used to address coronary artery disease.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
Jueyinshu BL-14

Jueyinshu BL-14

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebra (T4).

TCM Herbs for Coronary Artery Disease

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address coronary artery disease, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
  • Herbs that regulate qi
  • Herbs that open the orifices
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough

"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for coronary artery disease

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Safflowers (Hong Hua) Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi) Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for coronary artery disease

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Ginseng (Ren Shen) Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang | Sheng Mai San
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Liquorice (Gan Cao) Zhi Gan Cao Tang

"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for coronary artery disease

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang
Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) Si Ni San

"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for coronary artery disease

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao) Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) Zhi Zi Chi Tang

"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for coronary artery disease

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Dong Quai (Dang Gui) Dang Gui Si Ni Tang