Stifling Sensation In The Chest in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different stifling sensation in the chest patterns according to TCM theory

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Overview
What causes it 10 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each stifling sensation in the chest pattern
Classical remedies 45 herbal formulas documented

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets a stifling sensation in the chest not as a standalone symptom but as a signal of deeper imbalances within the body’s energetic system. According to TCM, this discomfort is often the result of disrupted Qi, or life force, which can be caused by emotional distress, dietary imbalances, or environmental factors. TCM stresses the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom to tailor the treatment effectively. This holistic approach looks beyond the chest itself and considers the health of the entire body.

TCM Patterns for Stifling Sensation In The Chest

Phlegm

Causes: A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Chest pressure, Stifling sensation in the chest

15 variations documented
Qi-Phlegm
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium

Along with: Globus sensation, Dysphagia, Upper abdominal oppression, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Cold-Phlegm
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

Along with: White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Nausea, Loss of appetite

Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

Along with: Coughing, White and watery sputum, Chills, Cold hands, Sputum, Dizziness,

Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

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

Phlegm
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest, Chest pressure

Along with: Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness

Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

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

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

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

Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Coughing, Asthma, Edema, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum

Phlegm-Heat
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression

Wind-Phlegm
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Dizziness, Aphasia, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down, Wheezing,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Dry cough, Scanty sputum, Shortness of breath, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm in the Channels joints and muscles
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Skin numbness, Skeletal deformities, Joint stiffness, Arthralgia, Muscle pain

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

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

Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst,

Heat

Causes: A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pressure

10 variations documented
Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium

Along with: Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating

Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

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

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

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

Phlegm-Heat
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression

Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Thirst, Flushed face,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Pericardium Fire
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Palpitations, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst,

Damp-Heat
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Chest pressure

Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat in Gall Bladder
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Mild chills with high fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vomiting of sour fluids, Thirst, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Nausea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Stagnation

Causes: A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest causing one to have deep sighs

6 variations documented
Qi-Phlegm
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium

Along with: Globus sensation, Dysphagia, Upper abdominal oppression, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart Qi Stagnation
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi Stagnation
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

Along with: General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing

Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Pericardium Qi Stagnation
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Mild chest pain, Chest distension, Sighing, Throat lumps, Palpitations, Depression,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest causing one to have deep sighs

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dampness

Causes: A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pressure

5 variations documented
Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium

Along with: Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating

Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

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

Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down, Wheezing,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Thirst, Flushed face,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Heat
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Chest pressure

Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Stasis

Causes: Chest constriction, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest

3 variations documented
Heart Blood Stagnation
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Chest constriction, Feeling of oppression of the chest

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart Vessel obstructed
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

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

Pericardium Blood Stagnation
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Shortness of breath, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Mind Disturbance

Causes: Feeling of oppression of the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest

3 variations documented
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

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

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

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

Pericardium Fire
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Palpitations, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Cold

Causes: Feeling of oppression of the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest

3 variations documented
Cold-Phlegm
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

Along with: White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Nausea, Loss of appetite

Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest

Along with: Coughing, White and watery sputum, Chills, Cold hands, Sputum, Dizziness,

Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Thirst, Flushed face,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Wind

Causes: Feeling of oppression of the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest

2 variations documented
Wind-Phlegm
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Feeling of oppression of the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Dizziness, Aphasia, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Thirst, Flushed face,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dryness

Causes: Stifling sensation in the chest

1 variation documented
Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Dry cough, Scanty sputum, Shortness of breath, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Summer Heat

Causes: Stifling sensation in the chest

1 variation documented
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
How it presents with stifling sensation in the chest

Stifling sensation in the chest

Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Thirst, Flushed face,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Stifling Sensation In The Chest

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address stifling sensation in the chest

Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin

Addresses these stifling sensation in the chest patterns:

Heat Dampness Cold Wind Summer Heat

Er Chen Tang

Addresses these stifling sensation in the chest patterns:

Phlegm Dampness Heat

Wen Dan Tang

Addresses these stifling sensation in the chest patterns:

Phlegm Heat Mind Disturbance

Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang

Addresses these stifling sensation in the chest patterns:

Phlegm Heat Mind Disturbance

Zhi Bao Dan

Addresses these stifling sensation in the chest patterns:

Phlegm Heat Mind Disturbance

Hui Chun Dan

Addresses these stifling sensation in the chest patterns:

Phlegm Heat Mind Disturbance

Sheng Tie Luo Yin

Addresses these stifling sensation in the chest patterns:

Phlegm Heat Mind Disturbance

Lian Po Yin

Addresses these stifling sensation in the chest patterns:

Heat Dampness

Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang

Addresses these stifling sensation in the chest patterns:

Phlegm Qi Stagnation