The heart is the cone-shaped organ that pumps blood to the whole body. In order to do so, it beats at a certain rate and everytime it beats, a Heartbeat is produced. Normally there is a regular rate and rhythm at which the heart beats and this normality keeps the body functioning well.At any time this rhythm is disturbed, Arrhythmias result. The heart may seem to skip a beat or beat irregularly or very fast. Arrhythmias arising in the atria are called atrial or supraventricular (above the ventricles) arrhythmias. Ventricular arrhythmias begin in the ventricles. In general, ventricular arrhythmias caused by heart disease are the most serious. (Atria are the upper chambers of the heart and Ventricles are the lower chambers of the heart).

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Many Heartbeat problems are successfully treated by TCM’s treatment approach. Some anti-arrhythmia medicines have side effects, so TCM’s treatment approach is more useful treatment approach for such problems.

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Syndrome (a)
Deficiency of both qi and yin

Palpitations (noticeable and irregular heartbeat) and shortness of breath, both of which are worse on exertion, lassitude, poor memory, insomnia, dizziness, blurring of vision, restlessness, thirst, a sensation of heartbeat in the palms and soles, spontaneous or night sweating, pale complexion, or malar flush (flushed cheekbones), and red lips, a red or light red tongue, and irregular pulse.

To treat by Herbal medicine
Therapeutic principle: Tonify qi and yin.

Prescription/Formula: Variation of Prepared Licorice Decoction Prepared licorice root (Zhi Gan Cao) 30g, Dangshen (Dang Shen) 30g, Astragalus root (Huang Qi) 30g, Siberian solomonseal rhizome (Huang Jin) 30g, Dried rehmannia root Sheng Di Huang) 20g, Ophiopogon root (Mai Dong) 15g, Sesame kernel (Ma Ren)12g, Cinnamon twig (Gui Zhi) 10g, Chinese-date (Da Zao)10 pieces, Schisandra fruit (Wu Wei Zi) 10g.

To treat by Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Prescription: Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Xinshu (BL 15), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), and Taixi (K13).

  

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Syndrome (b)
Deficiency of both heart and spleen

Palpitations, insomnia, night sweats, anorexia, general weakness, sallow complexion, pale tongue with thin and whitish coating and thready pulse.

To treat by Herbal medicine
Therapeutic principle: Replenishing qi and tonifying the blood, invigorating the spleen and nourishing the heart.

Prescription/Formula: Decoction for Invigorating the Spleen and Nourishing the Heart. Bighead atractylodes rhizome (Bai Zhu) 30g, Poria with hostwood (Fu Sheng) 30g, Astragalus root (Huang Qi) 30g. Longan aril (Long Yan Rou) 30g, Wild jujuba seed (Suan Zao Ren) 30g, Ginseng (Ren Shen) 15g, Aucklandia root (Mu Xiang) 15g, Prepared licorice root (Zhi Gan Cao) 8g, Chinese angelica root (Dang Gui) 3g, Polygala root (Yuan Zhi) 3g.

To treat by Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Prescription: Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Xinshu (BL 15), Zusanli (ST 36), Pishu (B 20).

  

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Syndrome (c)
Deficiency of yin and hyperactivity of fire

Palpitations, which are likely to occur with worry and fright, restlessness, a sensation of fast heartbeat in the chest, dizziness, blurring of vision, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dream-disturbed sleep or insomnia, malar flush or a flushed face, a red tongue with yellow coating, and a rapid pulse.

To treat by Herbal medicine
Therapeutic principle: Nourish liver and kidney yin, reduce fire, soothe heart and calm mind.

Prescription/Formula: Variation of Tonify the Heart Pill (Tianwang Buxin Dan) Dried rehmannia root (Sheng Di Huang)12g, Scorphularia root (Yuan Shen) 12g, Ophiopogon root (Mai Dong)10g, Red sage root (Dan Shen)10g, Chinese angelica root (Dang Gui)12g, Poria (Fu Ling)10g, Schisandra fruit (Wu Wei Zi) 12g, Polygala root (Yuan Zhi) 10g, Spring date seed (Suan Zao Ren) 15g, Liquorice (Gan Cao) 6g.

To treat by Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Prescription: Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Xinshu (BL 15), Jueyinshu (B 14), Shenshu (B 23), and Taixi (KI 3).

  

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Syndrome (d)
Phlegm-fire disturbing the heart

Palpitations, fear, stuffiness in the chest, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, or nightmares, thirst, a bitter taste in the mouth, deep-yellow urine, constipation, a red tongue with yellow sticky coating and a rapid pulse.

To treat by Herbal medicine
Therapeutic principle: Clear Phlegm-fire, soothe the heart and calm the mind.

Prescription/Formula: Variation of Decoction for Clearing Away Gallbladder-heart Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia) 6g, Bamboo shavings (Zhu Ru) 6g, Fruit of immature citron (Zhi Shi) 6g, Tangerine peel (Chen Pi) 9g, Prepared licorice root (Zhi Gan Cao) 5g, Tuckahoe(Fu Ling) 5g, Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang) 5 pieces, Chinese dates (Da Zao)1 piece.

To treat by Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Prescription: Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Xinshu (BL 15), Chize (LU 5), and FengLong (ST 40).

  

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Syndrome (e)
Accumulated blood stasis

Palpitations and shortness of breath, stuffy sensation in the chest or chest pain, a purple tongue or a tongue with purple spots, and irregular pulse.

To treat by Herbal medicine
Therapeutic principle: Promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis.

Prescription/Formula: Decoction for removing blood stasis in the chest. Chinese angelica root 9g, Chuanxiong rhizome 5g, Red peony root 9g, Peach Kernel 9g, Saffower 9g, Achyranthes root 9g, Bupleurum root 3g, Balloonflower root 5g, Fruit of citron or trifoliate orange 6g, Dried root of rehmannia 9g, Licorice root 3g.

To treat by Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Prescription: Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Xinshu (BL 15), Xuehai (SP 10).

Simple Prescriptions:
Ku Shen Radix Sophorae Flovescentis 15-30g taken in the form of a decoction.
Xian He Cao Herba Agrimoniae 15-30g taken in the form of a decoction.

  

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5. Healing by Other Therapies

(a) Qigong and other therapies

For effect of Qigong on the Nervous System Function, click here.

Generally speaking, Qigong is good for healing effect of this specific ailment, however individual results may vary. It improves the flow of the qi and the circulation of the blood, so you'll experience more energy, but, you won't see/ feel any immediate effects, as with many exercises and therapies, it takes a few weeks or even months of practice before you'll see any significant improvements.

The following types of Qigong may help:

• Static Qigong:
  Relaxation Qigong
  Inner-Nourishing Qigong
  Breathing Exercise Qigong
  
• Dynamic Qigong:
  Fifteen Sets of Taiji-Qigong
  Baduanjing of Internal Exercise
  Taiji
  

For the information of different types of Qigong ,just click a link above.

This information is for education purpose only. We strongly advise you seek a licensed Qigong master to learn the correct ways to conduct these exercises before attempting them.

(b) Medicated diet
1) Deficiency of both qi and yin:
Longan (Guiyuan) 15g, Lotus Seed (Lianzi) 10g, Polished round-grained nonglutinous rice (Jingmi) 50g.
Add water to thm to cook. Take it in the morning and in the evening every day.
2) Deficiency of yin and hyperactivity of fire:
Longan (Guiyuan) 30g, American Ginseng (Xiyangshen) 6g, White Sugar (Baitang) 30g, add water 100ml to them, steam them for 45 minutes. Take 50ml before going to bed every day.

(c) Life style
1) Remain a cheerful mood.
2) Avoid strenuous exercise or physical activities.
3) Don't overeat. Make sure to have enough sleep.
4) Abstain from smoking, alcohol, strong tea and coffee.

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Acknowledgments:
Healthphone.com greatly acknowledges the support and dedication of our
Healing Centre Panel, without whom this section would not be possible.

We also greatly acknowedge Ms. Najaf Munir, MBBS, for her editorial support. Ms. Munir simplified the highly technical medical documents into easy-to-read documents, for the enjoyment and education of our numerous visitors.