Heart Blood Deficiency

This condition is often caused by blood loss, excessive mental strain, or an insufficient source for the production and transformation of blood.

Clinical Manifestations

Symptoms include palpitations, vexation, being easily startled, insomnia, forgetfulness, dizziness, a pale complexion, pale lips and tongue, and a thready, weak pulse. The treatment principle is to supplement the blood and calm the Spirit (Shen).

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, blood is considered a component of Yin. Therefore, Heart Blood Deficiency can also be seen as a form of Heart Yin Deficiency. If it is accompanied by signs of deficiency heat, such as vexation, a dry mouth, heat in the palms and soles, tidal fever, night sweats, a red tongue with little moisture, and a thready, rapid pulse, it is specifically identified as Heart Yin Deficiency.

Treatment and Conditioning

The primary approach is to nourish and supplement Heart Blood, tonify Qi, and calm the Spirit (Shen).

Dietary Recommendations

Incorporate foods that are known to nourish blood, such as:

• Walnuts

• Sesame seeds

• Brown sugar

• Red dates (jujubes)

• Chicken soup

• Animal liver

• Longan fruit