Chinese Medicine for Chest Pain

In Chinese medicine, chest pain is not viewed as a single symptom—it reveals deeper imbalances in the body. Pain in the chest may come from cold constricting the meridians, dampness and phlegm blocking circulation, or stagnant blood that prevents proper energy flow. Treatment focuses on restoring warmth, transforming phlegm, or invigorating the blood depending on the underlying cause.

Cold Invasion

Common Signs

  • Chest pain radiating to the back or shoulders

  • Pain worsened by cold exposure

  • Cold sensations in the chest, hands, and feet

  • Abdominal pain and diarrhea with undigested food

  • Constipation or clear, long urination

  • Heavy sweating and pale complexion

  • Dizziness or blurred vision

  • Constricted tendons or muscle stiffness

  • Weak, rough, or high-pitched voice

  • Hiccups triggered by cold air

  • Preference for warm drinks

Treatment Principle
Warm the interior, disperse cold, and restore the flow of energy and blood through the chest.

Herbal Formula: Zhi-Gan-Cao-Tang or Gua-Lou-Xie-Bai-Bai-Jiu-Tang

Helpful Foods: Cayenne pepper, dill seed, fennel, fresh ginger, mustard seed, prickly ash, star anise, mustard, wine

Dampness–Sputum Accumulation

Common Signs

  • Dull, heavy chest pain reaching to the back of the shoulders

  • Shortness of breath or panting

  • Cough with white or watery sputum

  • Dizziness or mental heaviness

  • Frequent sleepiness or poor sleep

  • Vomiting or hiccups

  • Sticky sputum that clears easily from the throat

Treatment Principle
Transform phlegm, drain dampness, open the chest, and restore normal flow.

Herbal Formula: Gua-Lou-Xie-Bai-Ban-Xia-Tang

Helpful Foods: Adzuki bean, ambergris, barley, common carp, cucumber, mung bean, seaweed, shepherd’s purse, star fruit, bamboo shoot, crown daisy, date, fresh ginger, mustard leaf, black and white pepper, mustard seed, asparagus, pear

Blood Coagulation (Stagnant Blood)

Common Signs

  • Fixed, stabbing chest pain that worsens with pressure

  • Pain caused by physical injury or trauma

  • Chest pain not relieved by movement

  • Palpitations or insecurity in the chest

  • Coughing or vomiting blood

  • Swelling or fullness after eating

  • Spasms or abdominal pain

  • Stroke or poor circulation signs

Treatment Principle
Invigorate blood flow, remove stagnation, and unblock the chest channels.

Herbal Formula: Shen-Tong-Zhu-Yu-Tang

Helpful Foods: Ambergris, brown sugar, chestnut, eggplant, peach, black soybean, sturgeon, sweet basil, crab, distiller’s grains, papaya, saffron

Chest pain in Chinese medicine reflects obstruction—whether from cold, phlegm, or stagnant blood. By warming, transforming, or activating circulation, treatment restores movement of energy through the chest. When the blockages clear, warmth returns, breathing eases, and the pain subsides naturally.