Sleep & Moodxīnjì

Palpitations & Anxiety

Also called:Heart racingHeart poundingFluttering

From the TCM perspective: TCM 'xin ji' / 'zheng chong'; located in the heart, related to spleen, kidney and liver.

Overview

Palpitations are an uncomfortable awareness of the heartbeat — racing, pounding or fluttering. The Shanghan Lun describes 'heart throbbing'. Located chiefly in the heart, they arise from deficiency of qi, blood, yin or yang failing to nourish the heart, or from phlegm-fire, blood stasis or qi stagnation disturbing it.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Insufficient heart blood

Key distinguishing signs: Palpitations with short breath, dizziness, insomnia, poor memory, pale lusterless face, fatigue, pale tongue, fine weak or irregular pulse.
Treatment principle: Nourish blood, tonify the heart and calm the spirit

Effulgent heart fire

Key distinguishing signs: Palpitations with vexation, dreamful insomnia, dry/bitter mouth, mouth ulcers, red face, dark urine, red tongue with yellow coat, rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Clear the heart and drain fire

Liver qi stagnation

Key distinguishing signs: Palpitations triggered by emotional swings, distending chest and ribs, frequent sighing, low mood, thin white coat, wiry pulse.
Treatment principle: Soothe liver, regulate qi and quiet the heart

Phlegm turbidity obstruction

Key distinguishing signs: Palpitations with chest oppression, dizziness, copious phlegm, nausea, poor appetite, often overweight, greasy white coat, slippery pulse.
Treatment principle: Move qi, resolve phlegm and calm the spirit

Daily self-care

Reduce caffeine, strong tea, energy drinks, alcohol and smoking; avoid late nights and intense emotional swings.
Do regular aerobic exercise and diaphragmatic breathing; with phlegm turbidity manage weight and eat a light, low-grease diet.
Note when palpitations occur, how long they last and triggers, to help clinical assessment.

When to seek medical help

The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:

Palpitations with chest pain/pressure, fainting, breathlessness or sweating: emergency now.
A very fast or very slow sustained heartbeat, or a markedly irregular pulse: prompt evaluation with an ECG.
New or worsening palpitations in anyone with known heart disease: contact a clinician promptly.

Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.

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