Exertional Dyspneaaccording to TCM

*redirected from Dyspnea on exertion

What is exertional dyspnea?

Exertional dyspnea, also known as dyspnea on exertion, refers to shortness of breath that occurs during physical activity. This condition can range from mild breathlessness to severe difficulty in breathing, limiting one's ability to perform everyday tasks. Exertional dyspnea is a symptom often associated with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment and management of the condition.

How does TCM view exertional dyspnea?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), exertional dyspnea is seen as a symptom of various underlying patterns of disharmony within the body. TCM practitioners believe that imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang can lead to symptoms like exertional dyspnea. Unlike Western medicine, which often treats the symptom directly, TCM focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause. This holistic approach ensures that the specific pattern causing the dyspnea is treated, leading to more effective and comprehensive care.

Root Causes of Exertional Dyspnea in TCM

One common TCM pattern associated with exertional dyspnea is Heart Qi Deficiency. This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as palpitations, generalized fatigue, and spontaneous sweat. It often results from emotional stress, chronic illness, or excessive physical exertion, which weaken the Heart's Qi, leading to shortness of breath during activity.

Another relevant pattern is Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency, marked by symptoms like poor memory, restless sleeplessness, and lack of appetite. This pattern can develop due to chronic overthinking, poor diet, or long-term illness, leading to insufficient Qi and Blood to nourish the Heart and Spleen. Understanding these patterns helps in tailoring treatments that address the root causes of exertional dyspnea in TCM.

Explore below more details about what might cause Exertional dyspnea according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Exertional Dyspnea

Common Symptoms: Palpitations Generalized Fatigue Poor Memory Restless Sleeplessness Fever Lack Of Appetite Coughing Shortness Of Breath

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Qi Deficiency Shortness of breath on exertion, Palpitations, Exertional dyspnea, Pale face, Spontaneous sweat, Generalized fatigue... see more Bao Yuan Tang | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency Dyspnea on exertion, Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Exertional dyspnea, Weight loss... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Exertional Dyspnea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency Dyspnea on exertion, Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Exertional dyspnea, Weight loss... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Exertional Dyspnea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Yang Deficiency Shortness of breath on exertion, Palpitations, Exertional dyspnea, Generalized fatigue, Spontaneous sweat, Slight feeling of stuffiness in the heart, Chills, Cold hands, Bright pale face, Dark lips... see more Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Exertional Dyspnea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency Shortness of breath on exertion, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night dry coughing, Dry throat, Dry mouth, Emaciation, Exertional dyspnea, Lower back pain, Night sweats, Hearing loss, Oliguria... see more Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Heart

In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more

Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Exertional Dyspnea

Common Symptoms: Palpitations Generalized Fatigue Spontaneous Sweat Poor Memory Restless Sleeplessness Fever Lack Of Appetite Coughing

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Qi Deficiency Shortness of breath on exertion, Palpitations, Exertional dyspnea, Pale face, Spontaneous sweat, Generalized fatigue... see more Bao Yuan Tang | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
Heart Yang Deficiency Shortness of breath on exertion, Palpitations, Exertional dyspnea, Generalized fatigue, Spontaneous sweat, Slight feeling of stuffiness in the heart, Chills, Cold hands, Bright pale face, Dark lips... see more Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency Dyspnea on exertion, Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Exertional dyspnea, Weight loss... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Exertional Dyspnea

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Tinnitus Emaciation Lower Back Pain Night Dry Coughing Dry Throat Dry Mouth Night Sweats

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency Shortness of breath on exertion, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night dry coughing, Dry throat, Dry mouth, Emaciation, Exertional dyspnea, Lower back pain, Night sweats, Hearing loss, Oliguria... see more Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan
Kidneys failing to receive Qi Shortness of breath on exertion, Exertional dyspnea, Rapid breath, Weak respiratory, Difficulty breathing in, Chronic coughing, Asthma, Spontaneous sweat, Cold extremities, Facial edema, Emaciation, Low energy, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Clear urination... see more You Gui Wan | Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San
Detailed description of the cause

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Exertional Dyspnea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency Dyspnea on exertion, Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Exertional dyspnea, Weight loss... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Lung

In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more

Lung Patterns That Can Lead to Exertional Dyspnea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency Shortness of breath on exertion, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night dry coughing, Dry throat, Dry mouth, Emaciation, Exertional dyspnea, Lower back pain, Night sweats, Hearing loss, Oliguria... see more Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Exertional Dyspnea

TCM treatment for exertional dyspnea involves using specific formulas and herbs tailored to the patient’s underlying pattern. For Heart Qi Deficiency, a commonly recommended formula is Bao Yuan Tang. This formula includes key herbs such as Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), which help tonify Qi and strengthen the Heart.

For Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency, Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang is often used. This formula contains Ginseng (Ren Shen), which helps tonify both Qi and Blood, improving overall vitality and reducing symptoms of dyspnea. The choice of formula depends on the specific pattern diagnosed, highlighting the personalized nature of TCM treatments.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address exertional dyspnea, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
  • Formulas that tonify
  • Formulas that tonify yin and yang
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify
  • Formulas for a rebellious qi

All Formulas Recommended for Exertional Dyspnea Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
Bao Yuan Tang Heart Qi Deficiency
Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan Heart Qi Deficiency
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang Heart Qi Deficiency

All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for exertional dyspnea

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bao Yuan Tang Heart Qi Deficiency
Ren Shen Ge Jie San Kidneys failing to receive Qi

All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for exertional dyspnea

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan Heart Qi Deficiency
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang Heart Qi Deficiency

TCM Herbs for Exertional Dyspnea

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address exertional dyspnea, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
  • Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
  • Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for exertional dyspnea

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Ginseng (Ren Shen) Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) Bao Yuan Tang | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan

"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for exertional dyspnea

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan

"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for exertional dyspnea

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang | You Gui Wan
Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) You Gui Wan

"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for exertional dyspnea

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao) You Gui Wan
Tokay Geckos (Ge Jie) Ren Shen Ge Jie San