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.
Dyspnea on exertion can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like dyspnea on exertion here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here dyspnea on exertion is often associated with palpitations, forgetfulness and restlnessness at night in the pattern “Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of dyspnea on exertion we’ve identified that a herbal formula called Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang can help treat the patterns behind the symptom.
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause dyspnea on exertion
In Chinese Medicine dyspnea on exertion is a symptom for the pattern "Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
The Spleen is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Spleen in Chinese Medicine
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
In addition to dyspnea on exertion, other symptoms associated with Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency include palpitations, forgetfulness and restlnessness at night.
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency is often treated with Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang, a herbal formula made of 14 herbs (including Ginseng - Ren Shen - as a key herb). Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that tonify", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Tonifies Qi and Blood".
Read more about Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency here
A herbal formula that might help with dyspnea on exertion
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Source date: 1174 AD
Number of ingredients: 14 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies Qi and Blood. Nourishes the Heart. Calms the spirit.
Why might Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang help with dyspnea on exertion?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency' of which dyspnea on exertion is a symptom.
Other symptoms characteristic of Heart And Spleen Qi And Blood Deficiency include palpitations, forgetfulness and restlnessness at night.
The two Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat dyspnea on exertion
Why might White Peony Root (Bai Shao) help with dyspnea on exertion?
Because it is a key herb in Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency' (a pattern with dyspnea on exertion as a symptom)
White Peony Roots is a Neutral herb that tastes Bitter and Sour. It targets the Spleen and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain.
Why might Ginseng (Ren Shen) help with dyspnea on exertion?
Because it is a key herb in Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency' (a pattern with dyspnea on exertion as a symptom)
Ginseng is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Sweet. It targets the Spleen, the Heart and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Very strongly tonifies the Qi. Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen. Assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst. Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen (mind/spirit).
Other symptoms often associated with dyspnea on exertion
Palpitations Forgetfulness Restlnessness at night Feverishness Poor appetite Fatigue Coughing Shortness of breath Weight loss Dry skin