Palpitations in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), palpitations may arise from deficiencies affecting the Heart, Qi, Blood, Yin, or Kidneys. Some patterns reflect inadequate nourishment of the Heart, while others involve disturbances in fluid metabolism that affect the relationship between the Heart and Kidneys.

Identifying the underlying pattern helps guide treatment and dietary recommendations.

Pattern Key Symptoms Treatment Principle Traditional Formula Food Therapy
Qi and Blood Deficiency Palpitations with anxiety or insecurity, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, pale complexion, low energy Tonify Qi, nourish Blood, strengthen the Heart, and calm the Spirit Gui Pi Tang Longan fruit, dates, yam, sweet rice, chestnuts, grapes, beef liver
Yin Deficiency with Deficiency Fire Palpitations, insomnia, night sweats, dry mouth, dry throat, tinnitus, afternoon heat, chronic symptoms Nourish Yin, clear Deficiency Fire, strengthen the Kidneys, and calm the Heart Bu Xin Dan Oyster, duck egg, asparagus, white fungus, lily bulb, mung beans, royal jelly
Kidney Water Affecting the Heart Palpitations with chest fullness, shortness of breath, edema, dizziness, abdominal swelling, inability to lie flat Warm Heart Yang, support Qi, and promote healthy fluid metabolism Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang Dried ginger, cinnamon, walnuts, fennel, shrimp, raspberry, longan fruit

Understanding Palpitations in TCM

Qi and Blood Deficiency

This is one of the most common deficiency patterns associated with palpitations.

The Heart relies on adequate Qi and Blood for nourishment. When these become deficient, symptoms may include:

  • Palpitations

  • Fatigue

  • Dizziness

  • Poor concentration

  • Insomnia

  • Anxiety or feeling easily startled

Treatment focuses on rebuilding the body's resources while supporting the Heart and calming the mind.

Yin Deficiency with Deficiency Fire

In this pattern, the body's cooling and nourishing Yin becomes depleted, allowing Heat-like symptoms to emerge.

Common signs include:

  • Palpitations

  • Insomnia

  • Night sweats

  • Dry mouth or throat

  • Afternoon heat

  • Tinnitus

  • Restlessness

Treatment emphasizes nourishing Yin while reducing Deficiency Fire.

Kidney Water Affecting the Heart

Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes a close relationship between the Heart and Kidneys.

When fluid metabolism becomes impaired, symptoms may include:

  • Palpitations

  • Chest fullness

  • Swelling or edema

  • Shortness of breath

  • Dizziness

  • Difficulty lying flat

Treatment focuses on supporting Heart Yang and promoting the proper movement of fluids.

Related Formulas

  • Gui Pi Tang

  • Bu Xin Dan

  • Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang

Food Therapy and Palpitations

Food therapy is selected according to the underlying pattern.

  • Nourishing foods may be emphasized in Qi and Blood Deficiency patterns.

  • Moistening and Yin-supportive foods may be recommended when Deficiency Fire is present.

  • Warming foods may be used when fluid accumulation and Yang deficiency contribute to symptoms.

As with all TCM conditions, the same symptom may arise from different underlying patterns, which is why individualized assessment remains important.