Feeling Of Chest Oppressionaccording to TCM

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Symptom family: Chest Discomfort & Sensations

Did you mean? Chest Distension

What is Feeling of Chest Oppression?

Feeling of chest oppression is characterized by a persistent sensation of tightness, pressure, or constriction within the thoracic cavity. This discomfort can vary from mild to severe and may be accompanied by difficulties in breathing or a suffocating feeling. Such symptoms are commonly referred to as chest pressure, oppressive feeling in the chest, or simply chest heaviness. This condition not only affects physical well-being but can also influence emotional states, leading to increased anxiety or stress.

How does TCM view Feeling of Chest Oppression?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives symptoms like chest oppression as indications of imbalances or blockages within the body's vital energy, known as Qi. According to TCM, the smooth flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body is essential for health, and any disruption in this flow can lead to disease and discomfort.

Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing chest oppression is critical in TCM, as it guides the therapeutic approach, including the choice of acupuncture points, herbs, and lifestyle adjustments.

Root Causes of Feeling Of Chest Oppression in TCM

Two primary patterns frequently associated with chest oppression are Qi Stagnation and Phlegm accumulation. Qi Stagnation, particularly in the chest area, can occur due to emotional stress or lifestyle factors, leading to a sensation of tightness and discomfort.

On the other hand, Phlegm accumulation, which may result from dietary habits or a weak digestive system, tends to manifest as a palpable sense of fullness and pressure in the chest. Addressing these patterns through targeted TCM therapies can help alleviate the oppressive feelings and restore a sense of well-being.

Explore below more details about what might cause Feeling of chest oppression according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Phlegm
  • Heat
  • Qi Stagnation
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Feeling Of Chest Oppression

Common Symptoms: Stifling Sensation In The Chest Dizziness Depression Nausea Feeling Of Heaviness Sputum Edema Chest Distension

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Chest pressure, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Xiao Ban Xia Tang | Er Chen Tang | Liu Jun Zi Tang | Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang | Wen Dan Tang | Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang | Xing Su San
Cold-Phlegm Feeling of oppression of the chest, White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Nausea, Loss of appetite... see more Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs Feeling of oppression of the chest, Coughing, White and watery sputum, Chills, Cold hands, Sputum, Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness... see more Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus Feeling of oppression of the chest, Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness... see more Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan | Wei Ling Tang | Wan Dai Tang | Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium Feeling of oppression of the chest, Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain, Rapid breath... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Zhi Bao Dan | Hui Chun Dan
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart Feeling of oppression of the chest, Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Sheng Tie Luo Yin
Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm Feeling of oppression of the chest, Coughing, Asthma, Edema, Stifling sensation in the chest, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum... see more Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | Xiao Qing Long Tang
Phlegm-Heat Feeling of oppression of the chest, Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression Wen Dan Tang | Ding Chuan Tang | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Gun Tan Wan
Wind-Phlegm Feeling of oppression of the chest, Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Aphasia, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness... see more Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Feeling Of Chest Oppression

The treatment of chest oppression in TCM involves the use of specific herbal formulas that correspond to the underlying patterns identified. For instance, if chest oppression is due to Qi Stagnation, formulas designed to move Qi and relieve stagnation are preferred. These formulas often include herbs that are known to invigorate the flow of Qi and reduce tension within the chest.

Conversely, when the oppression is related to Phlegm, practitioners may choose formulas that help dissolve Phlegm and promote its expulsion from the body, thereby relieving the pressure and tightness in the chest.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address feeling of chest oppression, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Phlegm
  • Heat
  • Qi Stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Feeling Of Chest Oppression Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm, Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart, Phlegm-Heat... see more
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang Cold-Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang Phlegm, Wind-Phlegm
San Zi Yang Qin Tang Cold-Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Xiao Ban Xia Tang Phlegm
Er Chen Tang Phlegm
Liu Jun Zi Tang Phlegm
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang Phlegm
Xing Su San Phlegm
Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Wei Ling Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Wan Dai Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Zhi Bao Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Hui Chun Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Sheng Tie Luo Yin Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Xiao Qing Long Tang Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm
Ding Chuan Tang Phlegm-Heat
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan Phlegm-Heat
Gun Tan Wan Phlegm-Heat

Acupoints for Feeling Of Chest Oppression

Acupuncture is another pivotal component of TCM treatment for chest oppression. Specific acupoints are selected to harmonize and stimulate the flow of Qi, depending on the identified pattern of imbalance. Points on the chest, such as those along the Conception Vessel or the Lung Channel, are commonly used to directly alleviate chest tightness.

Additionally, points that support the overall Qi dynamics, like those on the arms or legs, might be included to enhance the therapeutic effect, ensuring a holistic approach to relieving the oppressive sensations in the chest.

Explore below some acupoints used to address feeling of chest oppression, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Lung Channel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Stomach Channel
Zhongfu LU-1

Zhongfu LU-1

On the lateral aspect of the chest, in the 1st intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the midline, 1 cun inferior to Yunmen LU-2. Below the acromial extremity of the clavicle, slightly medial to the lower border of the coracoid process.

Yunmen LU-2

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.

Taiyuan LU-9

Taiyuan LU-9

At the wrist crease (wrist joint space), in the depression on the radial aspect of the radial artery and ulnar to the tendon of the abductor pollicis longus muscle.

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