Chest Pain

Chest pain can arise from multiple causes, including cold, dampness-sputum, and blood coagulations. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), different symptoms correspond to these causes, and specific treatments are designed to alleviate them. This article explores the symptoms related to chest pain and the TCM remedies recommended to address each cause.

Cold-Related Chest Pain

Symptoms:

  1. Chest pain often triggered or intensified by cold
  2. Cold chest, cold hands and feet, or cold bodily sensations
  3. Abdominal pain
  4. Absence of perspiration
  5. Constipation
  6. Contraction of tendons and muscles
  7. Diarrhea with watery stools containing undigested food
  8. Dizziness with objects appearing in front of eyes
  9. Dry throat
  10. Hands and feet extremely cold
  11. Heavy and unclear voice in high pitched and rough tone
  12. Hiccups with cold hands and feet and mild taste in mouth, triggered by cold air
  13. Love of hot drinks
  14. Pain in the throat
  15. Pain shifting around with no fixed region
  16. Pale complexion

Treatment: To warm the internal region and disperse cold, consider using Zhi-Gan-Cao-Tang or Gua-Lou-Xic-Bai-Bai-Jiu-Tang. Common ingredients include cayenne pepper, dill seed, fennel, fresh ginger, mustard seed, prickly ash, star anise, white or yellow mustard, and wine.

Dampness-Sputum Related Chest Pain

Symptoms:

  1. Chest pain that affects the back of shoulders
  2. Dull and mild chest pain
  3. Cough
  4. Discharge of sputum that can be coughed out easily
  5. Discharge of white, watery sputum
  6. Heaviness
  7. Hiccups
  8. Panting
  9. Prolonged dizziness
  10. Sleep a lot
  11. Sleeplessness
  12. Vomiting
  13. White, sliding sputum that can be cleared from the throat easily

Treatment: To transform sputum and remove dampness, use Gua-Lou-Xie-Bai-Ban-Xia-Tang. Helpful ingredients include adzuki bean, ambergris, mustard barley, common carp, anise, cucumber, mung bean, sardine, seaweed, shepherd's purse, star fruit, bamboo shoot, crown daisy, date, fresh ginger, leaf or brown mustard, black and white pepper, white or yellow mustard seed, asparagus, and pear.

Blood Coagulations Related Chest Pain

Symptoms:

  1. Abdominal pain
  2. Chest pain in a fixed region without shifting around
  3. Chest pain caused by injuries
  4. Chest pain that worsens on pressure
  5. Coughing up blood
  6. Pain in the upper abdomen
  7. Palpitations with an insecure feeling
  8. Partial suppression of lochia
  9. Spasm
  10. Stomachache
  11. Stroke
  12. Swelling and congestion after eating
  13. Vomiting of blood

Treatment: To remove blood coagulations and promote blood circulation, use Shen-Tong-Zhu-Yu-Tang.

Conclusion

Chest pain can arise from various causes in traditional Chinese medicine. By understanding the specific symptoms associated with each cause, you can identify the most suitable TCM treatment to alleviate your chest pain. Always consult with a qualified TCM practitioner before starting any new treatment, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your unique symptoms and constitution.