Pattern Empty

Heart Yang Collapsing

Xīn Yáng Xià Xiàn 心阳下陷

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Diagnostic Signs

Tongue

Short, very pale or bluish-purple

Pulse

Knotted (Jie), Minute (Wei), Hidden (Fu)

Other Associated Symptoms

Diagnostic Considerations

Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the cyanosis of the lips, the cold limbs and the Hidden-Minute pulse.

Causes & Pathology

Common Causes

Pathological Mechanism

This pattern is similar to Heart Yang Deficiency, but much severe. Therefore the clinical symptoms are quite similar. The key different manifestation is the cyanosis of the lips. It is because the Blood flow are impaired due to lacking of Yang Qi's moving force.

Coma happens in rare severe cases. It is because the Heart should house the Mind. However, the Mind has no 'residence' due to the overall collapse of Heart Qi. In this case, the patients might not even be able to move their tongue due to lack of Qi. Also, Yang Deficiency leads to internal Coldness which contracts the tongue muscles. Therefore,  the tongue can not be moved out of mouth.

The Hidden pulse shows the severe degree of Yang Deficiency. It is an extreme case of the Deep pulse. The Knotted pulse also shows the severe Yang Deficiency, because the Heart has not enough energy to function properly.

Treatment Approach

Treatment Principle

Rescue Yang, restore consciousness and stop sweating.

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Pattern Relationships

Can Develop Into

Related TCM Concepts

Heart Yang