Anginaaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Cardiac Disorders, Chest Discomfort & Sensations, Chest & Hypochondriac Pain and Distention
Sub-symptom(s): Acute Angina
Did you mean? Heart Pain Chest Pain
What is Angina?
Angina, commonly referred to as angina pectoris, is a medical condition characterized by severe chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart. The pain, often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest, is typically triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease and is considered a warning sign that the heart is not receiving enough oxygen through the blood. Understanding and managing this symptom is crucial as it is a significant indicator of potential heart attacks.
How Does TCM View Angina?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a contrasting perspective on angina, viewing it as a consequence of disharmony within the body's energy system. According to TCM, angina results from blocked or imbalanced Qi (vital energy) and Blood, impacting the Heart and related meridians.
This approach emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific patterns of disharmony causing the symptoms. Treatment is then tailored to these patterns, aiming to restore balance and improve the flow of Qi and blood, thereby alleviating the pain and underlying conditions.
Causes of Angina According to TCM
In TCM, angina is typically linked to conditions such as Qi Stagnation, Blood Stasis, and Phlegm accumulation, each contributing to the heart's impaired function. For instance, Blood Stagnation, where the blood becomes static and cannot nourish the Heart properly, might manifest as sharp chest pain that intensifies with stress.
Similarly, Phlegm blocking the heart orifices is another pattern, presenting as chest oppression and palpitations. Recognizing these patterns is critical as it guides the practitioner to the most effective herbal and acupuncture treatments, customized to each unique patient scenario.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Angina
TCM utilizes various herbal formulas to address the different underlying patterns associated with angina. Formulas like Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang and Suan Zao Ren Tang nourish the heart and calm the mind, targeting Heart Blood Deficiency and helping alleviate stress-induced symptoms.
For more complex cases involving Phlegm and Fire, Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang and Wen Dan Tang might be used to clear obstruction and cool the Heart, thereby reducing chest discomfort. Additionally, formulations like Dan Shen Yin and Di Dang Tang invigorate blood circulation and break up Blood Stasis, crucial for treating angina with underlying blood flow issues.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address angina, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Angina can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.
One such formula is Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan, with biota seeds as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for angina
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren), Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren) |
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
Angina can be treated by these formulas when there's an accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the body, requiring herbs that dry dampness and transform phlegm.
One such formula is Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for angina
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) |
| Wen Dan Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Angina can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Dan Shen Yin, with red sage root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for angina
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Dan Shen Yin | Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen) |
| Di Dang Tang | Leeches (Shui Zhi), Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) |
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Angina can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Xiao Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
Angina can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold affecting the sensory orifices, requiring warming and opening actions.
One such formula is Su He Xiang Wan, with styrax resin as a key herb.
Acupoints for Angina
Acupuncture is another vital component of TCM treatment for angina, with specific points selected based on their ability to influence heart health. Jueyinshu BL-14, located on the Bladder Channel, is one such point. Positioned near the spine, directly level with the Heart, stimulating this point is believed to regulate heart function and alleviate chest pain. This approach is part of a broader strategy in TCM to not only treat the symptoms but also to address the root causes of angina by enhancing the overall flow of Qi and blood throughout the body.
Explore below some acupoints used to address angina, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
- Extra Points: Lower Extremities (EX-LE)
Jueyinshu BL-14
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebra (T4).
Duyin EX-LE-11
On the plantar aspect of the 2nd toe, at the midpoint of the transverse crease of the distal interphalangeal joint.
TCM Herbs for Angina
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address angina, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs that open the Orifices
Angina can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Styrax (Su He Xiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for angina, like Su He Xiang Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that open the Orifices" recommended for angina
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Styrax (Su He Xiang) | Su He Xiang Wan |
| Musk (She Xiang) | Su He Xiang Wan |
| Borneol (Bing Pian) | Su He Xiang Wan |
| Benzoin (An Xi Xiang) | Su He Xiang Wan |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Angina can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for angina, like Dan Shen Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for angina
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen) | Dan Shen Yin |
| Leeches (Shui Zhi) | Di Dang Tang |
| Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Di Dang Tang |
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Angina can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for angina, like Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit" recommended for angina
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren) | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan |
| Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren) | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
Angina can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Ginkgo Leaves (Yin Xing Ye), which is directly recommended for angina.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Angina can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Sandalwood (Tan Xiang), which is directly recommended for angina.
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Angina can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Snake Gourds (Gua Lou), which is directly recommended for angina.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Angina can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for angina, like Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Angina can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for angina, like Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Angina can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for angina, like Xiao Chai Hu Tang.