Palpitations
AliasPalpitations
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
In traditional Chinese medicine, palpitations are known as "heart palpitations," a common disease involving the heart system. As recorded in the classical text "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," palpitations refer to the feeling of unease and restlessness in the heart, along with symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, either too fast, too slow, or irregular. The "Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine" states: "The heart is the ruler of the organs, where the mind originates. When the heart moves, the pulse moves; when the pulse moves, respiration follows; and when respiration occurs, there is a correspondence between the inside and the outside." The occurrence of palpitations is closely related to the dysfunction of the heart's function of governing blood and housing the mind.
In clinical practice, palpitations in traditional Chinese medicine are a disease involving the heart, mind, blood vessels, and Qi. The core pathogenesis is generally characterized by restlessness of the heart and poor circulation of the blood. Common causes include emotional disorders, improper diet, and imbalance in work and rest. During diagnosis, attention should be paid to the following key points:
1. Deficiency of the heart and the gallbladder: The patient experiences restlessness and fear, often accompanied by unease in sitting or lying down, aversion to loud noises, etc.
2. Deficiency of both the heart and the spleen: Palpitations are accompanied by shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, pale complexion, and lack of energy.
3. Yin deficiency with excessive fire: Restlessness in the heart, accompanied by restlessness, insomnia, hot palms and soles, dry mouth, and night sweats.
In the treatment of palpitations, traditional Chinese medicine adheres to the principle of differentiation and treatment, adopting corresponding adjustment strategies based on different patterns. For the pattern of deficiency of the heart and the gallbladder, calming the mind and nourishing the heart is necessary; for the pattern of deficiency of both the heart and the spleen, it is important to nourish the heart and spleen, and replenish Qi and calm the mind; for the pattern of Yin deficiency with excessive fire, it is essential to nourish Yin and clear fire, and to calm the mind. The overall adjustment suggests that patients should pay attention to regulating their emotions, adjusting their diet and lifestyle, to promote tranquility of the mind and harmony of the blood vessels.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Heart deficiency with fear
Main Manifestations: Palpitations, unease, prone to startle and fear, restlessness, aversion to loud sounds
Management Approach: Calm the mind and stabilize the will, nourish the heart and calm the mind
Deficiency of both heart and spleen
Main Manifestations: Palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, pale complexion, fatigue and weakness
Management Approach: Tonify blood and nourish the heart, benefit the Qi and calm the mind
Yin deficiency with excessive fire
Main Manifestations: Palpitations, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, hot palms and soles, dry mouth, night sweats
Management Approach: Nourish yin and clear fire, nourish the heart and calm the mind
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
The experience of physicians suggests that patients with palpitations often suffer from mental unrest. Treatment should focus on calming the mind and nourishing the heart, while also regulating the spleen and stomach.
— Wang Zhengxiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)