Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Listen on YouTube Listen on Amazon Music
🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:
📗 Get your copy of Chinese Medicine Made Easy!
Show Notes
Did you know that the heart in Chinese medicine plays a role far beyond just pumping blood? It’s true! The heart is a powerhouse, in charge of vital functions like controlling blood circulation and managing sweat. It’s linked to the tongue, influencing speech and anxiety levels, and any tongue-related issues send us straight to look at the heart’s condition. Our emotions also show up on our faces, reflecting the heart’s state. For instance, a red face could indicate a heart-related issue, something we typically observe rather than inquire about.
Interestingly, the heart governs the blood vessels and pulse strength, making it a bridge between Eastern and Western notions of heart health, as controlling blood pressure and strength are universal concepts. Beyond the physical, the heart in TCM governs our emotions, particularly happiness and joy, and also houses the mind. This is about all things mental, like memory and sleep—keeping us calm and ensuring restful nights. It’s curious how Western medicine is now catching up and recognizing the heart’s connection to the brain, a concept TCM has embraced for centuries.
The Inquiry Method: A Deep Dive into Diagnosis
We know, as acupuncturists and acupuncture students, that the art of inquiry is similar to solving a puzzle. During consultations, the questions we ask become the tools to unravel the patient’s story. Here are some typical questions I ask: “How do you sleep?” might seem simple, but it opens a gateway to understanding. We get specific—Do you fall asleep easily? Do you wake up between 1 and 3 AM? Details matter, especially since tossing and turning might signal heart and kidney disharmony, while frequent waking at certain times could hint at liver yang rising or liver fire.
The goal is to gather as much detail as possible, creating a full picture that guides diagnosis and treatment. It’s about connecting the dots between symptoms and underlying causes, ultimately crafting a treatment plan that addresses the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.
Patterns in Heart Diagnosis: What to Look For
Understanding heart symptoms and patterns in TCM might seem complex initially, but breaking it down helps. Let’s break down our insights into various heart-related patterns:
- Qi Deficiency vs. Yang Deficiency: Both conditions share common symptoms like palpitations and fatigue. However, heart yang deficiency takes it up a notch with symptoms like cold limbs and body shivers. It’s like heart qi deficiency’s older sibling.
- Blood Deficiency vs. Yin Deficiency: Well known as paleness—pale face, lips, and tongue—combined with poor sleep. On the other hand, heart yin deficiency shows up with night sweats and those rosy red cheeks, along with a feeling of heat, especially in the evenings.
- Excess Patterns: Let’s talk about heart fire blazing, which might sound dramatic, and it is! It brings insomnia and makes a person irritable with constant agitation. If there’s phlegm involved, we see mental confusion and erratic behavior, possibly pointing to conditions like bipolarity or schizophrenia.
- Blood Stasis: Now, this is serious business. It could lead to conditions akin to angina, marked by constrictive pain in the heart area radiating to the left arm. This is where TCM tips into emergent care, needing immediate attention.
Empowering Your Journey with TCM
For many, diagnosis is the trickiest part of Chinese medicine, and there’s a saying in TCM, “There is no wrong treatment, only the wrong diagnosis.” This underscores why I created my second book, “Chinese Medicine Made Easy.” It was designed to break down these concepts with colorful visuals and practical case studies, making everything more manageable and less daunting. Whether you opt for a digital version or prefer holding a good old-fashioned book, this resource is there to enhance your learning and sharpen your diagnostic skills.
Disclaimer
The Acupro Show podcast and material shared through Acupro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. Additionally, as well as users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.
Need the podcast transcript? Click here!
Leave A Comment