Pericarditis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different pericarditis patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Pericarditis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This inflammation can cause chest pain and other symptoms such as shortness of breath, a fast heartbeat, and in some cases, a friction rub heard through a stethoscope. The condition may arise from various causes, including infections, autoimmune diseases, or a heart attack, and can range from mild irritation to life-threatening cases if the inflammation restricts the heart's ability to pump efficiently.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic perspective on pericarditis, viewing it not merely as inflammation but as a disturbance in the harmonious function of the body's energies. TCM identifies this condition through various patterns of disharmony, which reflect deeper systemic imbalances rather than isolated symptoms.
It emphasizes the importance of diagnosing these patterns accurately, as they inform the customized herbal and therapeutic strategies used to restore balance and heal the pericardium. This approach ensures treatments are not only symptomatic but aimed at the underlying causes according to TCM principles.
TCM Patterns for Pericarditis
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause pericarditis
Diagnostic signs
Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Pericarditis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address pericarditis