Palpitations in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different palpitations patterns according to TCM theory

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Condition Categories

12
TCM Patterns
61
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 12 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each palpitations pattern
Classical remedies 61 herbal formulas documented

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), palpitations are viewed not merely as a cardiac symptom but as an indicator of systemic imbalance. TCM suggests that palpitations can arise from disharmonies in Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, or Yang within the body, affecting Heart function.

This perspective emphasizes the importance of diagnosing the specific underlying pattern of disharmony to effectively tailor the treatment, aiming to restore balance and address both the symptom and its root cause holistically.

TCM Patterns for Palpitations

Blood Deficiency

Causes: Palpitations, Occasional palpitations, Palpitations with anxiety

11 variations documented
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Dizziness,

Blood Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Dizziness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory,

Heart Blood Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria, Neurasthenia

Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Dizziness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Poor memory, Anxiety, Easily startled,

Pericardium Blood Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Chest distension, Chest stiffness, Chest pain, Insomnia, Poor memory

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen and Heart Blood Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Dizziness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Poor memory, Anxiety, Easily startled,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Occasional palpitations

Along with: Irritability, Insomnia, Anxiety, Dizziness

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart and Spleen Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Insomnia, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Anxiety, Pale face, Poor memory,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Coughing,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Deficiency and Stagnation
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Dizziness, Blurry vision, Lackluster complexion and nails, Muscle tension, Insomnia, Poor constitution,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Yin and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations with anxiety

Along with: Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Deficiency

Causes: Palpitation, Palpitations

9 variations documented
Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitation

Along with: Excessive menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Thin menstrual blood, Prolonged menstrual periods, Shortness of breath, Palpitations

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Apathy, Dislike of speaking, Spontaneous sweat,

Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Dizziness,

Heart Qi Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Exertional dyspnea, Pale face, Spontaneous sweat, Generalized fatigue

Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Shortness of breath, Coughing, Weak voice, Dislike of speaking, Pale face, Frequent colds or flu,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Early menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Chills, Nocturia,

Heart and Spleen Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Insomnia, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Anxiety, Pale face, Poor memory,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Irritability, Spontaneous sweat, Eye hyperemia, Dry mouth, Lower abdominal oppression, Painful urination,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Coughing,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Heat

Causes: Palpitations

7 variations documented
Heart Fire blazing
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat,

Pericardium Fire
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming,

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming,

Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Irritability, Spontaneous sweat, Eye hyperemia, Dry mouth, Lower abdominal oppression, Painful urination,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain,

Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yin Deficiency

Causes: Palpitations, Occasional palpitations, Palpitations with anxiety

6 variations documented
Heart Yin Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Hysteria, Neurasthenia

Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Occasional palpitations

Along with: Irritability, Insomnia, Anxiety, Dizziness

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Insomnia, Poor memory, Night sweats, Anxiety, Tinnitus, Dizziness,

Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain,

Yin and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations with anxiety

Along with: Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Deficiency

Causes: Palpitations, Severe and continuous palpitations

6 variations documented
Heart Yang Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Exertional dyspnea, Generalized fatigue, Spontaneous sweat, Slight feeling of stuffiness in the heart, Chills, Cold hands,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Painful Obstruction with Liver and Kidney Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Lower back and leg pain and heaviness, Weakness and stiffness, Aversion to cold, General cold feeling, Shortness of breath, Chronic lower back pain,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen or Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Abdominal pain that worsens with cold, Urinary dysfunction, Deep pain and heaviness in limbs, Dizziness, Heavy sensation in the head, Edema,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Severe and continuous palpitations

Along with: Irritability, Restlessness, Severe heart palpitations, Cold sensation in lower limbs, Insomnia, Anxiety,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Phlegm

Causes: Palpitations

6 variations documented
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest,

Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, Shortness of breath, Hypochondriac distention

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming,

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming,

Damp-Cold Phlegm
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Dizziness, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Stasis

Causes: Palpitations

4 variations documented
Heart Blood Stagnation
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart Vessel obstructed
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain,

Pericardium Blood Stagnation
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Deficiency and Stagnation
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Dizziness, Blurry vision, Lackluster complexion and nails, Muscle tension, Insomnia, Poor constitution,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Mind Disturbance

Causes: Palpitations

4 variations documented
Heart Fire blazing
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat,

Pericardium Fire
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming,

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming,

Qi Stagnation

Causes: Palpitations

4 variations documented
Heart Qi Stagnation
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Depression

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Pericardium Qi Stagnation
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Mild chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sighing, Throat lumps, Depression,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Irritability, Spontaneous sweat, Eye hyperemia, Dry mouth, Lower abdominal oppression, Painful urination,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Cold

Causes: Palpitations, Palpitations in the epigastrium

3 variations documented
Empty-Cold
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Apathy, Excessive sweating,

Damp-Cold Phlegm
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Dizziness, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Exterior Cold invading the Interior
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations in the epigastrium

Along with: Abdominal pain, Constipation, Hypochondriac pain, Chills, Low grade fever, Cold extremities,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dampness

Causes: Palpitations

3 variations documented
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest,

Damp-Cold Phlegm
How it presents with palpitations

Palpitations

Along with: Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Dizziness, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Excess

Causes: Occasional palpitations

1 variation documented
Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency
How it presents with palpitations

Occasional palpitations

Along with: Irritability, Insomnia, Anxiety, Dizziness

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Palpitations

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address palpitations

Wen Dan Tang

Addresses these palpitations patterns:

Heat Phlegm Mind Disturbance Qi Stagnation

Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan

Addresses these palpitations patterns:

Yin Deficiency Heat Blood Deficiency

Er Chen Tang

Addresses these palpitations patterns:

Phlegm Cold Dampness

Jia Wei Xiao Yao San

Addresses these palpitations patterns:

Qi Deficiency Heat Qi Stagnation

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

Addresses these palpitations patterns:

Blood Deficiency Heat Yin Deficiency

Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang

Addresses these palpitations patterns:

Heat Phlegm Mind Disturbance

Zhen Zhu Mu Wan

Addresses these palpitations patterns:

Blood Deficiency Yin Deficiency Yang Excess

Zhi Bao Dan

Addresses these palpitations patterns:

Heat Phlegm Mind Disturbance

Hui Chun Dan

Addresses these palpitations patterns:

Heat Phlegm Mind Disturbance