Arrhythmia according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Arrhythmia factsheet
Possible causes and remedies:
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
Symptoms: Deafness Tinnitus Dizziness and seven other symptoms
Recommended formula: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Symptoms: Aversion to cold Spontaneous sweating Thirst for warm drinks and one other symptom
Recommended formula: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
In Chinese Medicine, arrhythmia can be associated with two so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease", as a matter of fact here arrhythmia can be caused by two different patterns.
To understand whether someone's arrhythmia might be caused by a given pattern, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from arrhythmia alone. For instance when arrhythmia is caused by the pattern Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency, patients also experience symptoms such as dizziness, unsteadiness, blurred vision and deafness. Similarly, patients with Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency typically exhibit weak (Ruo) pulses as well as a pale tongue.
We've listed below a description of the two patterns associated with arrhythmia so that you can start to get an understanding of the various possibilities according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below two formulas that can help treat the various patterns associated with arrhythmia, depending on which pattern fits your profile.
The two "patterns of disharmony" associated with arrhythmia
The Spleen is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Spleen in Chinese Medicine
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Weak (Ruo)
Tongue color: Pale
Recommended herbal formula: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Symptoms: Deafness Tinnitus Dizziness Weak voice Unsteadiness Loose stools Poor appetite Blurred vision Pale complexion Shortness of breath
Arrhythmia might be due to Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as dizziness, unsteadiness, blurred vision and deafness. Similarly, patients with Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency typically exhibit weak (Ruo) pulses as well as a pale tongue.
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) is the key herb for Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, a formula used for Qi Deficiency Fever
Qi Deficiency Fever
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu)
Tongue color: Pale
Tongue shape: Swollen
Recommended herbal formula: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Symptoms: Aversion to cold Spontaneous sweating Thirst for warm drinks Intermittent fever that worsens upon exertion
Arrhythmia might be due to Qi Deficiency Fever if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as intermittent fever that worsens upon exertion, spontaneous sweating, aversion to cold and thirst for warm drinks. Similarly, patients with Qi Deficiency Fever typically exhibit empty (Xu) pulses as well as a pale tongue.
The two herbal formulas that might help with arrhythmia
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Source date: 1247
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner). Raises the Yang. Detoxifies. Lifts what has sunken.
Why might Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang help with arrhythmia?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help with the patterns Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency and Qi Deficiency Fever which are sometimes associated with arrhythmia. If any of these patterns look like something you might suffer from, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan
Source date: 16th century
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies the Heart Qi . Calms the Mind and clear anxiety . Nourish the Heart Blood .
Why might Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan help with arrhythmia?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with arrhythmia. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Symptoms related to arrhythmia
Dizziness Unsteadiness Blurred vision Deafness Tinnitus Shortness of breath Weak voice Pale complexion Poor appetite Loose stools
