Severe Heart Palpitationsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Heart Rhythm Disorders
Parent symptom: Palpitations
Root Causes of Severe Heart Palpitations in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Severe heart palpitations according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yang Deficiency
- Kidney
- Heart
Yang Deficiency
Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more
Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Severe Heart Palpitations
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency | Severe and continuous palpitations, Irritability, Restlessness, Severe heart palpitations, Cold sensation in lower limbs, Insomnia, Anxiety, Mental exhaustion, Dysautonomia, Hypertension... see more | Jiao Tai Wan |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Severe Heart Palpitations
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency | Severe and continuous palpitations, Irritability, Restlessness, Severe heart palpitations, Cold sensation in lower limbs, Insomnia, Anxiety, Mental exhaustion, Dysautonomia, Hypertension... see more | Jiao Tai Wan |
Heart
In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more
Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Severe Heart Palpitations
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency | Severe and continuous palpitations, Irritability, Restlessness, Severe heart palpitations, Cold sensation in lower limbs, Insomnia, Anxiety, Mental exhaustion, Dysautonomia, Hypertension... see more | Jiao Tai Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Severe Heart Palpitations
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address severe heart palpitations, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yang Deficiency
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Jiao Tai Wan
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause severe heart palpitations, such as Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency
Learn moreFormulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
These formulas are suitable for some severe heart palpitations-causing patterns like Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is Jiao Tai Wan, with goldthread rhizome 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 severe heart palpitations
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Jiao Tai Wan | Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Not applicable |
TCM Herbs for Severe Heart Palpitations
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address severe heart palpitations, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Severe heart palpitations 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 Chlorite Schist (Meng Shi), which is directly recommended for severe heart palpitations.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Severe heart palpitations can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for severe heart palpitations, like Jiao Tai Wan.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Severe heart palpitations 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 severe heart palpitations, like Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang.