Heart Qi Insufficiency

This condition is mostly due to a deficiency and depletion of Heart Qi, leading to a decline in its function. This results in a pathological change where the heart is unable to effectively circulate blood, leading to cardiac abnormalities. It is commonly seen in patients with certain debilitating diseases, as well as in conditions like anemia, arrhythmia, and neurasthenia.

Clinical Manifestations

Symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, chest tightness and discomfort, spiritual fatigue and physical exhaustion, and a pale complexion.

• When Heart Qi is insufficient, its ability to propel is weak, hence the palpitations and shortness of breath.

• Spiritual fatigue and physical exhaustion are also a result of the lack of Qi.

• Insufficient Heart Qi leads to a failure to consolidate the Defensive (Wei) Yang, resulting in spontaneous sweating.

• When Heart Qi is insufficient, Qi and blood cannot ascend to nourish the face, leading to a pale complexion.

• Heart Qi deficiency, combined with insufficient Middle Qi (the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach), causes the Qi mechanism in the chest to be impeded, resulting in chest tightness and discomfort.

Treatment and Conditioning

The treatment principles are to supplement Heart Qi, calm the Spirit (Shen), tonify the Heart, and benefit Qi.

Dietary Recommendations

• The diet should be light and bland. Fresh seasonal fruits can be consumed.

• It is also appropriate to eat some “flesh and blood” products that are known to nourish Yang qi and Yin essence, such as lean meat, fish, and poultry.

• Foods to Avoid:

  • Spicy foods: These should be avoided as they can force the body fluids outward, which could further damage the Heart’s Qi and Yin.

  • Raw, cold, and greasy foods: Raw and cold foods can damage the Spleen Yang, while greasy and sweet foods can generate phlegm and turbidity. Therefore, they should be prohibited.

  • Alcohol: Alcohol can easily generate damp-heat, which consumes Qi and injures Yin. It should be strictly avoided.