Heart Painaccording to TCM

What is Heart Pain?

Heart pain, often described as a discomfort or sharp ache experienced in the chest, can signal various underlying health issues, from cardiovascular problems to digestive disturbances. Medically, heart pain encompasses a range of symptoms and may be referred to as cardiac pain. It's crucial to differentiate between heart pain caused by cardiac issues such as angina or myocardial infarction and pain related to other bodily systems, which may manifest similarly.

How does TCM view Heart Pain?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on heart pain, viewing it as a manifestation of imbalance within the body's energetic system. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the anatomical and physiological origins of symptoms, TCM examines heart pain through the lens of energy flow, or Qi, and the balance of the body's fundamental substances. Recognizing the correct disharmony pattern, such as Qi Stagnation or Blood Stasis, is essential in TCM, as it guides the therapeutic approach and herbal treatment.

Root Causes of Heart Pain in TCM

In TCM, heart pain is typically associated with several key patterns of imbalance, particularly those involving Blood Stasis and Qi disruption. For instance, the pattern known as Heart Vessel Obstruction is characterized by symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, and a feeling of oppression in the chest, alongside the pain.

This condition suggests a significant blockage in the flow of Qi and Blood specifically affecting the Heart. Addressing these patterns with precision is critical for effective treatment and highlights the personalized approach of TCM in diagnosing and managing heart pain.

Explore below more details about what might cause Heart pain according to TCM.

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Heart Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heart Vessel obstructed	Heart pain, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Reluctance to speak, Cold extremities, Sighing, Purple lips, Purple nails, Purple face... see more	Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Di Tan Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang

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 Heart Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heart Vessel obstructed	Heart pain, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Reluctance to speak, Cold extremities, Sighing, Purple lips, Purple nails, Purple face... see more	Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Di Tan Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Heart Pain

TCM utilizes a variety of herbal formulas to address the different patterns associated with heart pain. One prominent formula is Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, which is used to treat Heart Vessel Obstruction by invigorating the Blood and dispelling stasis, thereby alleviating pain and improving heart function. This formula includes key ingredients such as Peach Kernels, which are known for their blood-invigorating properties. By tailoring herbal treatments to the specific imbalances present in the body, TCM aims to restore harmony and relieve symptoms.

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

Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang

Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause heart pain, such as Heart Vessel obstructed

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Heart Pain Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang	Heart Vessel obstructed
Chai Hu Shu Gan San	Heart Vessel obstructed
Di Tan Tang	Heart Vessel obstructed
Dang Gui Si Ni Tang	Heart Vessel obstructed

Acupoints for Heart Pain

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a method to treat heart pain. Points like Xinshu BL-15, located near the heart on the bladder meridian, are targeted to calm the mind and regulate heart function. Additionally, points on the Pericardium channel such as Laogong P-8 help clear Heart Fire and calm the spirit, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects associated with heart pain. Effective acupuncture treatment involves stimulating these key points to promote the flow of Qi and Blood, reduce stagnation, and alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with heart conditions.

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

Jueyinshu BL-14

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

Xinshu BL-15

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra (T5).

Dushu BL-16

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6).

Geshu BL-17

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra (T7).

Tianquan P-2

2 cun below the end of the anterior axillary fold, between the two heads of biceps brachii muscle.

Quze P-3

On the transverse cubital crease, at the ulnar side of the tendon of biceps brachii muscle.

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.

Laogong P-8

In the center of the palm, between the 2nd and the 3rd metacarpal bones, proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint.

Jiquan HE-1

In the center of the axilla, on the medial side of the axillary artery.

Shaohai HE-3

When the elbow is flexed slightly, Shaohai HE-3 is at the medial end of the transverse cubital crease, in the depression radius to the medial epicondyle of the humerus.

Yinxi HE-6

On the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, 0.5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist when the palm faces upward.

Shaochong HE-9

On the radial side of the little finger, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

Fujie SP-14

On the mamillary line which is 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline. 3 cun above Fushe SP-13, 1.3 cun below Daheng SP-15, on the lateral side of rectus abdominis muscle.

Futonggu KID-20

5 cun above the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Guanchong TB-1

On the lateral side of the ring finger, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

Juque REN-14

On the midline of the abdomen, 6 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun below the sternocostal angle.