Arrhythmia in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different arrhythmia patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
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.
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.
TCM Patterns for Arrhythmia
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause arrhythmia
Qi Deficiency Fever
Diagnostic signs
Empty (Xu)
Recommended herbal formulas
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Weak (Ruo)
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Arrhythmia
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address arrhythmia