Heart Qi Deficiency

In plain words

Their heart races and they run out of breath the moment they climb a flight of stairs, and they end the day exhausted even without doing much.

A long illness, years of work without rest, or age gradually weaken the push that moves the blood. The heart compensates by beating faster and weaker, which is why the beat becomes noticeable exactly when effort is required. Since that same push also holds the skin closed, sweat escapes even at rest.

Characteristic symptoms

• Palpitations that worsen with physical exertion or stress
• Shortness of breath with exercise
• Fatigue and easy tiredness
• Spontaneous sweating at rest
• Pale face and dull expression
• Low and weak voice
• Mild sensation of chest oppression
• Tendency towards mild anxiety

Key clues to recognize it

• Palpitations appear on moving and settle after sitting down a while
• Sweats while still and without heat, mostly on the chest and face
• The voice fades at the end of a sentence and talking for long is tiring

Tongue and pulse

Tongue

Pale tongue, sometimes slightly moist; thin white coating

Pulse

Weak (ruò) and empty (xū) pulse, especially in the Heart position (left cun)

Treatment principle

Tonify Heart Qi, strengthen Yang and calm the Shen

Common points

Reference formula

Yang Xin Tang (Nourish the Heart Decoction)

What not to confuse it with

What aggravates it

• Climbing slopes or stairs and any sustained effort
• Long days without real breaks
• Skipping meals or eating very little
• Talking or singing for long stretches

Lifestyle advice

Avoid excessive physical exertion and prolonged emotional stress. Rest after meals. Eat Qi-nourishing foods: brown rice, red dates, longan, oats. Practice deep abdominal breathing and meditation.

When to see a doctor