Arrhythmiaaccording to TCM

What is Arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia, commonly known as an abnormal heart rhythm, encompasses a range of conditions where the heartbeat is irregular—either too fast, too slow, or erratically. This disruption in the rhythm can lead to a variety of symptoms, from palpitations and fatigue to more severe consequences like heart failure or stroke. Atrial fibrillation is a notable subtype, marked by rapid and chaotic electrical impulses in the heart's upper chambers. Arrhythmias can be transient or persistent, and their severity and implications can vary widely, necessitating tailored medical assessment and intervention.

How Does TCM View Arrhythmia?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets arrhythmia as a symptom of imbalance within the body’s energetic system, particularly involving the Heart, Lung and Kidney energies. Unlike Western medicine that focuses on electrical malfunctions within the Heart, TCM looks to patterns of disharmony in Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang that may disrupt the heart’s ability to function smoothly. Identifying and correcting the specific pattern causing the arrhythmia is crucial in TCM, as each requires a different treatment strategy.

Causes of Arrhythmia According to TCM

In TCM, arrhythmia is often linked to specific imbalances in the body’s energy systems. A common cause is Qi Deficiency, where there is inadequate vital energy to support the heart’s needs, leading to irregular rhythms.

Another pattern, Heart Blood Deficiency, involves a lack of nourishing Blood to the Heart, which can destabilize its natural rhythm and lead to arrhythmic conditions. These patterns highlight the TCM approach of looking beyond the heart itself and considering the holistic interaction between various organ systems and energies within the body.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Arrhythmia

To address arrhythmia, TCM practitioners may recommend specific herbal formulas that tonify Qi, Blood, and calm the Mind, depending on the diagnosed patterns of disharmony. Formulas like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, which includes Milkvetch Roots, and Sheng Mai San, featuring Ginseng, are used to enhance Qi and support the Lungs and Spleen, which in turn helps stabilize the Heart’s rhythm.

Additionally, Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan, containing Biota seeds, nourishes the Heart and calms the Mind, addressing Heart Blood and Qi Deficiencies. These formulas demonstrate the tailored approach in TCM to treat arrhythmia by nurturing the foundational energies of the body.

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

Acupoints for Arrhythmia

In TCM, acupoint therapy is a key component in managing arrhythmia. Points like Jueyinshu BL-14 on the Bladder Channel, located near the 4th thoracic vertebra, and Ximen P-4 on the Pericardium Channel, situated above the wrist, are particularly beneficial.

The former regulates heart function and alleviates chest pain, while the latter invigorates Blood circulation, cools the Blood to prevent overheating, and calms the Mind. These acupoints are strategically stimulated to balance the body’s energy, ensuring the heart functions more smoothly and reducing the occurrence of arrhythmic episodes.

Explore below some acupoints used to address arrhythmia, organized by meridian.

Jueyinshu BL-14

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebra (T4).

Ximen P-4

5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist, on the line connecting Quze P-3 and Daling P-7, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles.

TCM Herbs for Arrhythmia

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