Sick Sinus Syndromeaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Heart Rhythm Disorders
Did you mean? Paroxysmal Tachycardia Arrhythmia
What is Sick Sinus Syndrome?
Sick sinus syndrome refers to a group of heart rhythm disorders where the sinus node — the heart's natural pacemaker — fails to function properly. This malfunction leads to varied heart rate irregularities, such as unusually slow heart rates (bradycardia), rapid heart rates (tachycardia), or alternating between too slow and too fast. Common symptoms may include fainting, palpitations, shortness of breath, or confusion. This syndrome primarily affects older adults and might necessitate interventions such as medication management or pacemaker implantation if symptoms cause significant lifestyle disruption or risk.
How Does TCM View Sick Sinus Syndrome?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches sick sinus syndrome not as a specific heart condition, but as a symptom of underlying systemic imbalances. TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying disharmony patterns affecting the flow of Qi and Blood through the Heart and other organs.
Each diagnosis and subsequent treatment are customized to address these imbalances, targeting not only the symptoms but also their root causes according to TCM philosophy. This holistic approach aims to restore harmony and proper energy flow across the body's systems.
Causes of Sick Sinus Syndrome According to TCM
In TCM, sick sinus syndrome is often associated with specific patterns of disharmony that disrupt the heart's rhythmic activity. One common pattern is Yang Deficiency, where there is insufficient warming and activating energy to support the heart's pacemaking functions, leading to irregular heartbeats.
Another pattern involves Qi and Blood Deficiency, which can cause the Heart to falter in its rhythm and rate. These TCM perspectives illustrate how a systemic deficiency might manifest as complex cardiac symptoms, guiding practitioners in their holistic treatment of this syndrome.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Sick Sinus Syndrome
To treat sick sinus syndrome, TCM practitioners might use herbal formulas designed to correct the underlying disharmonies. Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang, which includes Ephedra (Ma Huang), is used particularly for patterns of Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency. This formula helps to warm the body and dispel cold, thus supporting the Yang energy that drives the heart's rhythmic functions.
Another key formula, Zhi Gan Cao Tang with Liquorice (Gan Cao), is employed to enhance Lung Qi and overall Qi and Blood levels, stabilizing the heart's activity. These formulas reflect the TCM approach of using specific herbs to target and resolve the root causes of symptoms, rather than merely treating the symptoms themselves.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address sick sinus syndrome, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
Formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency
Sick sinus syndrome can be treated by formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency if it arises from an external pathogen attacking a body with underlying weakness.
One such formula is Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Sick sinus syndrome can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Zhi Gan Cao Tang, with liquorice as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Sick Sinus Syndrome
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address sick sinus syndrome, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Sick sinus syndrome can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sick sinus syndrome, like Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Sick sinus syndrome can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Liquorice (Gan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sick sinus syndrome, like Zhi Gan Cao Tang.