Severe Heart Palpitationsaccording to TCM

What is Severe Heart Palpitations?

Severe heart palpitations are intensely uncomfortable sensations where the heart feels like it is pounding, fluttering, or beating irregularly and persistently. This condition can be alarming and may signal underlying cardiac issues or other health problems. While occasional palpitations are common and typically harmless, severe and continuous episodes require medical attention to determine their cause and prevent potential complications. Such palpitations can be associated with heart rhythm disorders, anxiety, or even more critical conditions like cardiac arrhythmias.

How does TCM View Severe Heart Palpitations?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets severe heart palpitations as a sign of deeper imbalances within the body’s energetic systems. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the symptom itself and its immediate triggers, TCM looks to underlying patterns of disharmony that disrupt the heart’s energy, or Qi. Conditions such as Yang Deficiency or disharmony between the Heart and Kidneys are commonly identified. TCM practitioners emphasize the importance of diagnosing these specific patterns to effectively tailor treatments that address both the symptoms and their root causes.

Root Causes of Severe Heart Palpitations in TCM

In TCM, severe heart palpitations are often attributed to complex internal conditions such as Yang Deficiency, where there is not enough "warm" energy to support the heart's function, leading to weakened cardiac activity and symptoms like cold limbs and fatigue.

Another common cause is the disharmony between the Heart and Kidneys, which is essential in TCM theory; the Heart houses the mind, while the Kidneys anchor the Qi and provide its foundation. When Kidneys are weak, they fail to support the Heart adequately, resulting in palpitations, restlessness, and insomnia. These examples highlight the interconnected nature of bodily systems in TCM, where heart symptoms are often seen as reflections of systemic health issues.

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

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 Severe Heart Palpitations

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency	Severe and continuous palpitations, Irritability, Restlessness, Severe heart palpitations, Cold sensation in lower limbs, Insomnia, Anxiety, Mental exhaustion, Dysautonomia, Hypertension... see more	Jiao Tai Wan

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 Severe Heart Palpitations

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency	Severe and continuous palpitations, Irritability, Restlessness, Severe heart palpitations, Cold sensation in lower limbs, Insomnia, Anxiety, Mental exhaustion, Dysautonomia, Hypertension... see more	Jiao Tai Wan

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 Severe Heart Palpitations

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency	Severe and continuous palpitations, Irritability, Restlessness, Severe heart palpitations, Cold sensation in lower limbs, Insomnia, Anxiety, Mental exhaustion, Dysautonomia, Hypertension... see more	Jiao Tai Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Severe Heart Palpitations

To treat severe heart palpitations, TCM practitioners often prescribe formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind, tailored to the diagnosed pattern of disharmony. A prime example is Jiao Tai Wan, which is used to address Yang Deficiency and restore harmony between the Heart and Kidneys.

This formula includes key ingredients like Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), known for their ability to clear heat and dry dampness, thus supporting the heart's function and alleviating symptoms of palpitations. By focusing on these energetic imbalances, TCM treatments aim to restore internal harmony and alleviate both the physical and emotional aspects of heart palpitations.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address severe heart palpitations, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Jiao Tai Wan

Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause severe heart palpitations, such as Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency

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TCM Herbs for Severe Heart Palpitations

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