Rapid Breath in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different rapid breath patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Rapid breath, also known as fast breathing, rapid respiration, or tachypnea, is a condition characterized by an abnormally high breathing rate. This can occur due to various reasons, including physical exertion, anxiety, respiratory infections, or chronic pulmonary conditions. Rapid breath can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, and shortness of breath. It is important to identify the underlying cause of this condition to provide appropriate treatment and prevent potential complications.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), rapid breath is seen as a manifestation of underlying disharmonies within the body's systems. TCM practitioners believe that this symptom can result from various patterns of disharmony, such as Heat in the pericardium or Phlegm fire obstructing the Lungs. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on treating the symptom directly, TCM aims to identify and address the root cause of the imbalance. Accurate diagnosis of the specific pattern is crucial for effective treatment, as different patterns require different therapeutic approaches.
TCM Patterns for Rapid Breath
Mind Disturbance
Causes: Rapid breath
Pericardium Fire
Rapid breath
Along with: Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Rapid breath
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain
Heat
Causes: Rapid breath
Pericardium Fire
Rapid breath
Along with: Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Rapid breath
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain
Phlegm
Causes: Rapid breath
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Rapid breath
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain
Herbal Formulas for Rapid Breath
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address rapid breath
Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these rapid breath patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Rapid Breath Pattern Variations
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it manifests:
Rapid breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these rapid breath patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Hot Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder Heat
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Rapid Breath Pattern Variations
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it manifests:
Rapid breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Zhi Bao Dan
Addresses these rapid breath patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Resolves toxicity
- Transforms Phlegm
Addresses These Rapid Breath Pattern Variations
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it manifests:
Rapid breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Hui Chun Dan
Addresses these rapid breath patterns:
Main Actions
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Arrests spasms and convulsions
- Clears Heat and transforms Phlegm
Addresses These Rapid Breath Pattern Variations
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it manifests:
Rapid breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Xie Xin Tang
Addresses these rapid breath patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxicity
- Dries Dampness
Addresses These Rapid Breath Pattern Variations
Pericardium Fire
How it manifests:
Rapid breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers...
Zi Xue Dan
Addresses these rapid breath patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Controls spasms and convulsions
- Extinguishes Wind
Addresses These Rapid Breath Pattern Variations
Pericardium Fire
How it manifests:
Rapid breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers...