Sinus Tachycardiaaccording to TCM

What is Sinus Tachycardia?

Sinus tachycardia is a heart condition characterized by an elevated heart rate that typically exceeds 100 beats per minute while at rest. This condition originates from the sinus node, which is the heart’s natural pacemaker, causing it to fire signals faster than normal. Sinus tachycardia can be a normal response to factors such as exercise, stress, or illness, but it may also indicate underlying health issues when persistent. Symptoms may include palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath, requiring clinical assessment to determine its cause and appropriate management.

How Does TCM View Sinus Tachycardia?

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sinus tachycardia is seen as a symptom of imbalance within the body's internal systems rather than a heart condition per se. TCM focuses on the flow of Qi and Blood and the balance of Yin and Yang to explain physiological functions and disorders.

It emphasizes that identifying the correct disharmony pattern is crucial before any treatment can be administered, as each pattern requires a distinct therapeutic approach aimed at restoring balance and thus alleviating the symptom.

Causes of Sinus Tachycardia According to TCM

In TCM, sinus tachycardia is often attributed to specific imbalances that disrupt the normal regulation of the heart's rhythm. A common pattern associated with this condition is Heart Blood Deficiency, which can lead to insufficient nourishment and stabilization of the heart, causing an erratic and accelerated heartbeat.

Another typical pattern is Interior Cold, where an excess of cold energy within the body constricts the flow of Qi and Blood, thereby forcing the heart to work harder and faster to maintain body warmth and vital functions. These patterns illustrate how TCM seeks to understand the underlying causes of symptoms in order to treat the body holistically.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Sinus Tachycardia

To treat sinus tachycardia, TCM practitioners may recommend specific formulas based on the diagnosed patterns. For addressing Interior Cold, the formula Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang with Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) is often used. This formula helps to warm the interior and disperse cold, thereby normalizing the heart rate.

In cases of Heart Blood Deficiency, Gan Mai Da Zao Tang with Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai) is prescribed to nourish the Heart and calm the Mind, stabilizing the heartbeat and easing associated symptoms. These formulas are tailored to address the specific disharmonies identified in the patient, reflecting TCM’s nuanced approach to health and disease.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address sinus tachycardia, organized by formula type.

By Formula Type

Formulas that vent membrane source
Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind

Formulas that vent membrane source

Sinus tachycardia can be treated by these formulas if it results from blockages in the body, often manifested as masses or lumps, needing actions that open and resolve these obstructions.

One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.

Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind

Sinus tachycardia can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.

One such formula is Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, with light wheat as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Sinus Tachycardia

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address sinus tachycardia, organized by herb category.

By Herb Category

Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs that stabilize and bind

Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Sinus tachycardia can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.

One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sinus tachycardia, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.

Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Sinus tachycardia 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 Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sinus tachycardia, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.

Herbs that stabilize and bind

Sinus tachycardia can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.

One such herb is Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sinus tachycardia, like Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.