Shortness Of Breath in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different shortness of breath patterns according to TCM theory

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14
TCM Patterns
83
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 14 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each shortness of breath pattern
Classical remedies 83 herbal formulas documented

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches shortness of breath through the lens of pattern diagnosis, a fundamental concept that distinguishes it from Western medical approaches. In TCM, dyspnea is seen as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body's energy systems, particularly involving the Lung and Kidney.

This holistic view considers not just the respiratory symptom itself, but how it relates to overall bodily functions, energy flow, and organ interactions. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial because it guides the entire treatment strategy.

TCM Patterns for Shortness Of Breath

Phlegm

Causes: Labored breathing, Shortness of breath, Short of breath, Difficult breathing

13 variations documented
Oedema
How it presents with shortness of breath

Labored breathing

Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Discomfort when lying down, Wheezing,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Dry cough, Scanty sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

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

Phlegm-Fluids
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Abdominal distention, Vomiting clear liquid, Feeling of heaviness, Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, Coughing, Lack of sweating,

Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Coughing, White and watery sputum, Gurgling noise in the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness,

Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Coughing, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst,

Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices
How it presents with shortness of breath

Short of breath

Along with: Coma, Loss of consciousness, Clenching of teeth, Shortness of breath, Pale face, Copious sputum,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm in Chest
How it presents with shortness of breath

Difficult breathing

Along with: Focal distention of the chest, Difficulty breathing in

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat
How it presents with shortness of breath

Labored breathing

Along with: Shortness of breath, Copious thick yellow sputum, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiolitis, Bronchial asthma

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Cough with chest pain, Upper abdominal focal distention, Dry heaving, Headaches, Vertigo, Pericardial effusion,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm in the Lower Burner
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Throbbing below the belly button, Vomiting frothy saliva, Vertigo, Coughing, Edema, Glomerulonephritis,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Deficiency

Causes: Shortness of breath, Short of breath, Shortness of breath on exertion, Dyspnea on exertion

10 variations documented
Lung Qi Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Daytime sweating, Dislike of speaking

Qi Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

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

Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Palpitations, Dizziness,

Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs,

Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Short of breath

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart Qi Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath on exertion

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

Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurry vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Weak voice,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

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

Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath, Dyspnea on exertion

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dampness

Causes: Breathlessness, Labored breathing, Shortness of breath

7 variations documented
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
How it presents with shortness of breath

Breathlessness

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Oedema
How it presents with shortness of breath

Labored breathing

Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Discomfort when lying down, Wheezing,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

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

Summer Heat with Dampness
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach,

Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Ocular swelling, Shiny complexion, Scanty clear urination, Fever, Coughing, Aversion to cold,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Headaches, Dizziness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Cold

Causes: Breathlessness, Shortness of breath, Labored breathing

6 variations documented
Greater Yang Attack of Cold
How it presents with shortness of breath

Breathlessness

Along with: Occipital headache, Aversion to cold, Low grade fever, Lack of sweating, Stiff neck, Sneezing,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Empty-Cold
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

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

Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing,

Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Ocular swelling, Shiny complexion, Scanty clear urination, Fever, Coughing, Aversion to cold,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat
How it presents with shortness of breath

Labored breathing

Along with: Shortness of breath, Copious thick yellow sputum, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiolitis, Bronchial asthma

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Headaches, Dizziness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Deficiency

Causes: Breathlessness, Shortness of breath, Shortness of breath on exertion

5 variations documented
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
How it presents with shortness of breath

Breathlessness

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Lung Yang Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Cold extremities, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Pale face, Generalized fatigue,

Heart Yang Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath on exertion

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Painful Obstruction with Liver and Kidney Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Pale face, Facial edema, Oedema of limbs, Abdominal distention, Cold extremities, Diarrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Heat

Causes: Breathlessness, Shortness of breath, Labored breathing

5 variations documented
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
How it presents with shortness of breath

Breathlessness

Along with: Shortness of breath, Asthma, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Headaches, Dizziness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Lung Heat
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Feeling of heat, Thirst, High fever, Cough with thin yellow sputum, Excessive sweating, Acne

Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Coughing, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst,

Toxic-Heat
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule,

Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat
How it presents with shortness of breath

Labored breathing

Along with: Shortness of breath, Copious thick yellow sputum, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiolitis, Bronchial asthma

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Wind

Causes: Shortness of breath, Labored breathing

4 variations documented
Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing,

Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Ocular swelling, Shiny complexion, Scanty clear urination, Fever, Coughing, Aversion to cold,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat
How it presents with shortness of breath

Labored breathing

Along with: Shortness of breath, Copious thick yellow sputum, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiolitis, Bronchial asthma

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Headaches, Dizziness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Deficiency

Causes: Shortness of breath, Dyspnea on exertion

3 variations documented
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Palpitations, Dizziness,

Pericardium Blood Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath, Dyspnea on exertion

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yin Deficiency

Causes: Shortness of breath, Shortness of breath on exertion

2 variations documented
Lung Yin Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Dislike of speaking, Thin chest

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath on exertion

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night dry coughing, Dry throat, Dry mouth, Emaciation,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Stagnation

Causes: Shortness of breath

2 variations documented
Heart Qi Stagnation
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Pericardium Qi Stagnation
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Stasis

Causes: Shortness of breath

2 variations documented
Heart Vessel obstructed
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Palpitations, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain,

Pericardium Blood Stagnation
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Sinking

Causes: Shortness of breath

1 variation documented
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Uterine prolapse, Prolapsed bladder, Stomach prolapse, Nephroptosis, Anus prolapse, Bearing down sensation in abdomen,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dryness

Causes: Shortness of breath

1 variation documented
Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Dry cough, Scanty sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Summer Heat

Causes: Shortness of breath

1 variation documented
Summer Heat with Dampness
How it presents with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach,

Herbal Formulas for Shortness Of Breath

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address shortness of breath

Ding Chuan Tang

Addresses these shortness of breath patterns:

Phlegm Cold Heat Wind

Wu Ling San

Addresses these shortness of breath patterns:

Dampness Yang Deficiency Phlegm

Er Chen Tang

Addresses these shortness of breath patterns:

Phlegm Dampness Heat

Ren Shen Ge Jie San

Addresses these shortness of breath patterns:

Qi Deficiency Phlegm Heat

Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang

Addresses these shortness of breath patterns:

Dampness Cold Wind

Zhi Sou San

Addresses these shortness of breath patterns:

Phlegm Cold Wind

Xiao Qing Long Tang

Addresses these shortness of breath patterns:

Dampness Cold Wind

Ma Huang Tang

Addresses these shortness of breath patterns:

Cold Wind

Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan

Addresses these shortness of breath patterns:

Dampness Yang Deficiency