Chinese Med 101: Heart/Small Intestine System, Circulation
In order for our patients to receive more information on the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and associated western symptoms, we are putting together a series of very basic information of each system. It is not meant to be all inclusive or include every combination or possibility of a diagnosis from a TCM perspective, that is up to your practitioner to figure out. Your practitioner will help you understand your specific diagnosis.
We are also including some common foods that a patient can eat in order to assist in balancing their energy and associated patterns.
Heart Meridian
The Heart Meridian travels from the pinky, up the inner side of arm as shown in the picture.
Heart Syndromes
The Heart System in TCM is different in many ways than what we think of as the circulatory system in western medicine. The heart element has the following correspondences:
- Yin associated Yang organ is the Small Intestine
- Color: Red
- Flavor: Bitter
- Emotion: Happiness/Joy
- Tissue: Blood and vessels
- Sense: Speach
- Element: Fire
The Heart Qi in TCM has the following etiology and associated pathology signs/symptoms:
- Dominates blood – Stagnant blood, extremities cold, lack of strength, poor constitution
- Controls vessels – Irregular pulse
- Complexion – Blue lusterless complexion, ruddy lustrous complexion
- Hair is the ends of blood – dry brittle hair
- Small Intestine relationship – Defecation and urination disorders
- Houses Shen (spirit) – Mental symptoms, illogical speech, mind not clear, insomnia
- Controls speech – forgetfulness
Heart Qi deficiency:
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive perspiration (daytime)
- Symptoms worse after exertion
- Facial pallor
- Fatigue, weakness
- Suffocating sensation in the chest
Western symptoms: Cardiac failure, Cardiac disease, Arrhythmia, Reactive depression (neurosis), Coronary Arteriosclerosis
Dietary recommendations:
Oats, Rye, Wheat germ, Reishi, Apple, Cherry, Longan, Chickpea, Lentil, Pheasant, Cinnamon bark, Hawthorn, Licorice, Sage, Thyme, Arnica Flower, Hawthorn, Pollen, Rue, Yarrow, Algea, Ginseng (American), Coconut
Heart Yin Deficiency.
- Palpitations
- Low grade fever
- Irritability
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth, thirst
- Excess dreaming
- Dry throat, mouth
- Poor memory
- Malar flush
- Anxiety
- May be depressed
Western symptoms: Anemia, Arrhythmia, Reactive Hypertension, Hyperthyroidism, Neurosis, Tachycardia
Dietary recommendations:
Wheat, Apple, Persimmon, Mung Bean, Coconut milk, Cuttlefish, Arnica Flower, Chickweed, Ginseng (American), Hops, Rose
Heart Blood Deficiency:
- Palpitations
- Poor memory
- Excess dreaming
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Pale lips
- Dull complexion
- Lack of concentration
- May be depressed
- Fatigue
Western symptoms: Aesthenia, Anemia, Neurosis, Hyperthyroidism
Dietary recommendations:
Oats, Wheat germ, Beetroot, Reishi, Longan, Coconut, Chickweed, Microalgae, Pollen
Heart Yang Deficiency:
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath on exertion
- Four limbs cold
- Watery stool with undigested food
- Mental cloudiness
- Bright – pale face
Western symptoms: Cardiac insufficiency, Cardiac Failure, Depressive neurosis, Arrhythmia, Shock, Angina pectoris
Dietary recommendations:
Scallions, Aniseed, Cayenne, Chili, Cinnamon bark, Garlic, Ginger (dry), Rosemary, Aconite, Arnica Flower
Heart Fire:
- Ulcerations, erosion and pain in the mouth and tongue
- Thirst with a desire for cold drinks
- Irritability
- Feeling of heat and disturbance in the heart
- Insomnia
- May be red or flushed face
- Bitter taste in mouth
- Inability to stay asleep
- Extremely anxious
- Deep yellow urine
Western symptoms: Tongue ulcers, Avitaminosis
Dietary recommendations:
Wheat, Wheat germ, Lotus root, Apple, Persimmon, Watermelon, Aduki bean, Mung bean, Vitamin C, Clary Sage
Heart Phlegm-Fire:
- Irritability
- Palpitations
- Bitter taste in mouth
- Insomnia
- Dream disturbed sleep
- Agitated
- Restless
- Alternates between depression and confusion
Western symptoms: Manic or hypomanic psychosis, Schizophrenia, Epilepsy, Neurosis
Dietary recommendations:
Hijiki, Agar, Persimmon, Aduki bean, Chickpea, Aniseed, Licorice, Sage, Calamus, Lobelia, Myrrh, Rhubarb root, Sandalwood, St John’s Wort, Yarrow, Tea (black and green), Neroli
Heart Qi/Blood Stagnation:
- Palpitations
- Cold hands
- Heart pain radiating down arm into palm
- Oppressive discomfort in the chest
Western symptoms: Angina pectoris, Coronary artery disease, Heart Attack, Myocardial infarction, Pericarditis
Dietary recommendations:
Oats, Rye, Wheat Germ, Beetroot, Lotus root, Scallion, Cherry, Aniseed, Cayenne, Chili, Cinnamon bark, Garlic, Ginger (fresh), Hawthorn, Licorice, Oregano, Pepper (black), Thyme, Arnica flower, Barberry bark, Camphor resin, Catnip, Celandine, Cinnamon twig, Aduki bean, Frankincense, Hops, Mistletoe, Lavender, Limeflower, Lobelia, Motherwort, Myrrh, Pasque flower, Passionflower, Rhubarb root, Rose, Rue, Scullcap, St Johns Wort, Spirits