Exertional Dyspnea in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different exertional dyspnea patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Exertional dyspnea, also known as dyspnea on exertion, refers to shortness of breath that occurs during physical activity. This condition can range from mild breathlessness to severe difficulty in breathing, limiting one's ability to perform everyday tasks. Exertional dyspnea is a symptom often associated with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment and management of the condition.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), exertional dyspnea is seen as a symptom of various underlying patterns of disharmony within the body. TCM practitioners believe that imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang can lead to symptoms like exertional dyspnea. Unlike Western medicine, which often treats the symptom directly, TCM focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause. This holistic approach ensures that the specific pattern causing the dyspnea is treated, leading to more effective and comprehensive care.
TCM Patterns for Exertional Dyspnea
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause exertional dyspnea
Heart Qi Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Empty (Xu)
Pale or normal colour; midline crack to tip with swelling on each side in more severe cases
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Heart Yang Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Knotted (Jie), Weak (Ruo)
Pale, slightly wet, sometimes swollen
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Normal-coloured without coating or with rootless coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Exertional Dyspnea
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address exertional dyspnea