Fast Heartbeataccording to TCM
Symptom family: Heart Rhythm Disorders
Sub-symptom(s): Supraventricular Tachycardia Paroxysmal Tachycardia
Did you mean? Arrhythmia
What is Fast Heartbeat?
A fast heartbeat, medically referred to as tachycardia, is a condition where the heart unusually races even when at rest. Typically, a normal heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. When the heart exceeds this rate, it may be described as having a fast heartbeat, which can occur in various forms such as supraventricular tachycardia and paroxysmal tachycardia. While often benign, a persistently rapid heartbeat can signal underlying issues and may require medical evaluation to rule out cardiovascular diseases or other medical conditions.
How Does TCM View Fast Heartbeat?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a fast heartbeat is seen as a symptom of imbalance rather than a condition itself. Unlike Western medicine that focuses on the Heart and its electrical impulses, TCM examines this symptom through the lens of energy, or Qi, flow and the balance of the body’s fundamental substances.
Diagnosing the correct pattern of disharmony—be it from Qi Deficiency, Yin Deficiency, or excess Heat—is essential. Treatment is aimed at correcting the specific imbalance, thus addressing the root cause rather than just alleviating symptoms.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Fast Heartbeat
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address fast heartbeat, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and preserve body fluids
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Fast heartbeat can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Fast heartbeat can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and preserve Body Fluids
Fast heartbeat can be treated by these formulas when it is due to summer heat that also depletes or harms the body fluids, necessitating treatments that cool and nourish the body's fluids.
One such formula is Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Fast heartbeat 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 Suan Zao Ren Tang, with jujube seeds as a key herb.
Acupoints for Fast Heartbeat
TCM suggests specific acupoints on the Bladder Channel to help manage a fast heartbeat by targeting the underlying imbalances associated with this symptom. The Feishu BL-13 point is located 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3). Activating this point can tonify Lung Qi, nourish Lung Yin, and clear Lung Heat, which are crucial actions for regulating the heart rate.
Another vital point, Jueyinshu BL-14, found at a similar distance lateral to the 4th thoracic vertebra (T4), focuses on regulating the heart and opening the chest, which helps ease pain and stabilize heart functions. Utilizing these acupoints, practitioners aim to restore balance and ensure the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, thereby reducing the occurrences of a fast heartbeat.
Explore below some acupoints used to address fast heartbeat, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
Feishu BL-13
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).
Jueyinshu BL-14
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebra (T4).
TCM Herbs for Fast Heartbeat
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address fast heartbeat, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Fast heartbeat 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 Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for fast heartbeat, like Gui Pi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for fast heartbeat
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Gui Pi Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Fast heartbeat can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for fast heartbeat, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for fast heartbeat
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang |
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Fast heartbeat 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 fast heartbeat, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Fast heartbeat 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 fast heartbeat, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Fast heartbeat can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for fast heartbeat, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Fast heartbeat can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for fast heartbeat, like Suan Zao Ren Tang.