Cardiac Burning Sensationaccording to TCM

Root Causes of Cardiac Burning Sensation in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Cardiac burning sensation according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Pericardium
  • Small Intestine
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Cardiac Burning Sensation

Common Symptoms: Restlessness Insomnia Mouth Ulcers Scanty And Dark Urine Anxiety Thirst Tongue Ulcers Afternoon Heat Sensation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency Chest heat, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones... see more Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Suan Zao Ren Tang
Pericardium Fire Chest heat, Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid respiration, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling hot, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation... see more Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine Unconfortable heat sensation in the chest, Restlessness, Insomnia, Tongue ulcers, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Urinary burning... see more Dao Chi San
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Cardiac Burning Sensation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency Chest heat, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones... see more Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Suan Zao Ren Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Mind Disturbance

In TCM "Shen" refers to the mind or spirit, and a Shen disturbance is a pattern of disharmony that affects the mental and emotional state. This concept reflects the TCM belief in the deep interconnectedness of mind and body. Symptoms of Shen disturbance can vary widely but often include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, confusion, or in severe cases, hallucinations or delirium. These symptoms indicate an imbalance in the body's energies affecting the heart, which in TCM is not only the center of blood circulation but also the seat of the mind and consciousness. The root of Shen disturbance can be traced to various factors, including emotional stress, physical illness, or an imbalance in fundamental substances like Qi, Yin, or Yang.... see more

Mind Disturbance Patterns That Can Lead to Cardiac Burning Sensation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Pericardium Fire Chest heat, Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid respiration, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling hot, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation... see more Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan
Detailed description of the cause

Summer Heat

"Summer-Heat" in TCM is a unique concept that refers to a pattern of disharmony often associated with the hot summer months. Imagine the intense heat of summer stressing your body, like being in a sweltering, humid environment for too long. This can lead to symptoms like feeling overheated, excessive sweating, a feeling of irritation, and sometimes even nausea or dizziness. In TCM, this condition is thought to arise from the external environment's heat affecting the body's internal balance. It's similar to how we might feel uncomfortable and out of sorts on a very hot day. ... see more

Summer Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Cardiac Burning Sensation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Summer-Heat entering the Lesser Yin and Terminal Yin warps Heat in the Heart, Wasting, Thirst, Cardiac burning sensation, Irritability, Restlessness, Paralysis, Loss of consciousness, Mental disturbances, Muscle numbness, Muscle spasm... see more Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Pericardium

In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more

Pericardium Patterns That Can Lead to Cardiac Burning Sensation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Pericardium Fire Chest heat, Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid respiration, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling hot, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation... see more Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan
Detailed description of the cause

Small Intestine

In TCM the Small Intestine plays a critical role in receiving partially digested food from the Stomach and further separating the clear from the turbid, essentially distinguishing nutrients from waste. This process is vital for proper absorption and assimilation of food. The Small Intestine is also associated with clarity of judgment and decision-making. When it malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, poor appetite, or irregular bowel movements. Additionally, a malfunctioning Small Intestine may manifest as mental confusion or difficulty in making decisions, reflecting its role in discernment and clarity in both physical and mental realms. ... see more

Small Intestine Patterns That Can Lead to Cardiac Burning Sensation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine Unconfortable heat sensation in the chest, Restlessness, Insomnia, Tongue ulcers, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Urinary burning... see more Dao Chi San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Cardiac Burning Sensation

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address cardiac burning sensation, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
  • Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
  • Formulas that expel parasites
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and preserve body fluids

All Formulas Recommended for Cardiac Burning Sensation Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Xie Xin Tang Pericardium Fire
Zi Xue Dan Pericardium Fire
Dao Chi San Full-Heat in the Small Intestine

All Formulas Recommended for Cardiac Burning Sensation Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Cardiac Burning Sensation Caused by Mind Disturbance

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xie Xin Tang Pericardium Fire
Zi Xue Dan Pericardium Fire

All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for cardiac burning sensation

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that clear heat from deficiency" recommended for cardiac burning sensation

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

Acupoints for Cardiac Burning Sensation

Explore below some acupoints used to address cardiac burning sensation, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Governing Vessel
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Lung Channel
Shenzhu DU-12

Shenzhu DU-12

On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 3th thoracic vertebra (T3).

Tianliao TB-15

Tianliao TB-15

Midway between Jianjing GB-21 and Quyuan SI-13, on top of the superior angle of the scapula.

Yunmen LU-2

Yunmen LU-2

On the antero-lateral aspect of the chest, below the lateral extremity of the clavicle, about 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline in the centre of the deltopectoral triangle.