Occasional Palpitationsaccording to TCM

What is Occasional Palpitations?

Occasional palpitations are brief episodes where an individual feels an abnormality in the normal beat of the heart, which may feel like skipping beats, fluttering, pounding, or a rapid sensation. While palpitations can be triggered by stress, medication, or strenuous activity, they are typically transient and benign. However, when palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, they may indicate a more serious cardiac condition requiring medical evaluation.

How Does TCM View Occasional Palpitations?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees occasional palpitations not just as a cardiac issue but as a symptom of imbalance within the body's systemic energies. TCM emphasizes understanding the disturbances in the flow of Qi (energy) and Blood, and the balance of Yin and Yang that underpin bodily functions. The diagnosis of the specific pattern of disharmony causing the palpitations is essential, as it guides the bespoke treatment aimed at restoring the body's harmonious state.

Root Causes of Occasional Palpitations in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that might lead to occasional palpitations, with each associated with different underlying imbalances. One prevalent cause is Liver Yang Rising, often coupled with Blood and Yin Deficiency. This pattern indicates an imbalance where rising Yang energy due to deficient Yin causes symptoms like palpitations, irritability, and insomnia. The insights guide TCM practitioners in tailoring treatments that address not only the symptoms but also their root causes.

Explore below more details about what might cause Occasional palpitations according to TCM.

Yang Excess

Yang Excess in TCM refers to a state where there is an overabundance of Yang energy, leading to symptoms of heat and hyperactivity in the body. This pattern of disharmony often arises from factors like stress, excessive physical activity, overconsumption of spicy or heating foods, or an internal imbalance that causes Yang to flare up. Symptoms of Yang Excess include a feeling of heat, red face, irritability, restlessness, thirst, constipation, and a rapid, forceful pulse. Treatment in TCM for Yang Excess aims to cool down and subdue the excessive Yang while nurturing Yin energy to restore balance.... see more

Yang Excess Patterns That Can Lead to Occasional Palpitations

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency	Occasional palpitations, Irritability, Insomnia, Anxiety, Dizziness	Zhen Zhu Mu Wan

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 Occasional Palpitations

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency	Occasional palpitations, Irritability, Insomnia, Anxiety, Dizziness	Zhen Zhu Mu Wan

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 Occasional Palpitations

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency	Occasional palpitations, Irritability, Insomnia, Anxiety, Dizziness	Zhen Zhu Mu Wan

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Occasional Palpitations

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency	Occasional palpitations, Irritability, Insomnia, Anxiety, Dizziness	Zhen Zhu Mu Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Occasional Palpitations

To treat occasional palpitations, TCM practitioners often turn to specific formulas based on the identified patterns of disharmony. The formula Zhen Zhu Mu Wan, which includes Mother Of Pearl (Zhen Zhu Mu), is frequently prescribed. This formula falls under the category of Formulas that sedate and calm the Mind and is particularly effective for patterns like Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency.

By anchoring and calming the spirit, it helps to mitigate the palpitations and associated symptoms of irritability and anxiety, demonstrating TCM’s holistic approach in addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of heart disturbances.

See more details below about Zhen Zhu Mu Wan, a herbal formula used to address occasional palpitations.

Top Formula for Yang Excess:
Zhen Zhu Mu Wan

Suitable for Yang Excess patterns that may cause occasional palpitations, such as Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency

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Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Zhen Zhu Mu Wan

Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause occasional palpitations, such as Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency

Learn more

Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Zhen Zhu Mu Wan

Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause occasional palpitations, such as Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency

Learn more

TCM Herbs for Occasional Palpitations

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address occasional palpitations, organized by herb category.