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Diseases of the Heart
Crooke, Mikrokosmographia, 1618
The Heart is a principal Organ of the Body and is one of the 5 Yin Organs of TCM.
The Heart distributes blood and Qi throughout the Body via the Arteries. Due to it being the most active organ and responsible for keeping the body warm, it is associated with the Fire Element in all systems. This means that it requires a lot of Yang Energy, and conversely, is easily affected by excess Heat. Due to its high rate of activity, it is also prone to disturbances in its rate which is generally a Wind / Qi disorder. The Heart also works closely with the Kidneys in maintaining balance of Fire and Water within the body. A weakness in either will cause dysfunction in the other.
The Heart is also regarded as the Seat of the Spirit in TCM. There is a close connection with the Heart and Spirit (Consciousness). Therefore, calming the Heart and Spirit is a treatment often used when their is Insomnia, Restlessness, Emotional or Mental disorders. The Gems, Pearl, Coral and Amber are all examples of medicines which work to Cool the Heart and settle the Mind and Spirit.
The Signs of the Nature of the Heart
(Taken from Syrian 'Book of Medicine', Budge, 1913)
Hot condition of the Heart:
'... are made known by the greatness (i.e., depth) of the breathing, and by the lightness and rapidity of the feel of the arteries, and by truculence, and wrath, and boldness, and by the hair that is on the breasts of [men of] this kind, and especially by a whistling sound over the heart ... and in the majority of cases the whole body is hot; but, if the liver standeth much against it, and there is breadth of chest"
"Those who possess a very ardent temperament do not need any course of treatment, but easy walking and bathing are sufficient for them, and they will therefore rejoice in bathing after meals"
Cold condition of the Heart
"... diminishes the touch (or feel) of the arteries, and the men who possess this temperament are naturally timid, and languid, and care less, and their breasts are smooth".
Dry condition of the Heart
"... makes the feel of the arteries hard, and causes a man to be slow to anger, but when his anger is roused up it becomes a savage passion, and in the majority of cases such anger subsideth with difficulty. And the whole of the bodies of men possessing this temperament is dry, provided that the liver be not found to be standing against it.
"Those who possess an exceedingly dry temperament need abundant nourishment, and they must abstain from violent and excessive exercise,such as it is well known that men abstain from in the season of summer. And frequent washing (or, bathing) is beneficial for them, and especially draughts of cold water after a meal, for these are the opposite of dry constitutions. And frequent copulation injureth them, and consequently it is meet for them to guard themselves against anger, and fatigue, and anxiety, and sleeplessness"
Moist condition of the Heart
"... causes the arteries to feel soft to the touch. Those who possess this temperament are stirred up quickly to wrath, and this wrath subsideth quickly; and the whole of their bodies is moist, provided that in this case also the liver doth not stand against it.
"... a constitution that is moist naturally during the period of youth casteth its possessor into the pains of rheum, and of superfluity, and into the sicknesses of fluxes, and therefore young folks require much exercise, and complete digestion by the stomach; ... and they will find themselves much benefited if they use water that is warm naturally. Now it is meet that we should be most careful about their evacuations which are to be brought about by means of frequent bathing and a purgative, or about the emptying of their bodies by means of the urine and faeces. And there is nothing to prevent them from making use of the helps that bring down phlegm, and purgative medicines, and foods that contain good chymes, and they may drink wine that will cause them to make water".
Hot and Dry condition of the Heart
"... causes the arteries to feel hard, and large, and rapid, and light, and the breathing of men who possess this temperament becometh great, and light, and frequent. Their breasts and the upper parts of their bellies are hairy, and their actions are fierce and savage, and they are disposed to wrath, and are truculent, and tyrannical, and they are swift to wrath, and their anger doth not quickly subside".
Heat and Moist condition of the Heart
"... they are less hairy than the class of men that hath just been mentioned. Men possessing this temperament are prompt in action, and their wrath is not followed by cruel acts, for they are only prone to be angry, and their arteries are large, and full, and light, and rapid to the touch"
Cold and Moist condition of the Heart
"... they cause the arteries to feel soft to the touch. Men who possess this temperament are timid, and languid, and careless in their works. And their whole body shaketh with their chest, and they do not nurse their wrath, because they are not prone to anger.
"Now, the cold constitution is evil, even when moistness predominates in it, and it casteth the possessor thereof into the pains of rheum. Abundant and light exercise, and the abstaining from washing, and the use of warming unguents, help men of this kind.
Cold and Dry condition of the Heart
"... they cause arteries to feel hard and small. Men who possess this temperament do not become angry on small provocation, but when once they are moved to anger, their wrath endures for a long time, and they nurse their ire. And their bodies and breasts are wholly without hair."
"There are three changes of the cold, evil condition of the heart, but the most evil of them all is the dry change, when it hath existed for a long time in those who possess a cold, dry constitution; therefore it is necessary to moisten and warm such men. This may be brought about by moderate exercises, and by the foods that are moistening and warming in character, and by the drink of hot, vinous drinks, and by abundant sleep, but we must take care that the body is emptied each day of the superfluity that is produced in their bodies. And copulation is injurious to all men with dry constitutions, and especially to .those who possess coldness as well as dryness"
Treatment of the Heart may require various strategies:
The Heart distributes blood and Qi throughout the Body via the Arteries. Due to it being the most active organ and responsible for keeping the body warm, it is associated with the Fire Element in all systems. This means that it requires a lot of Yang Energy, and conversely, is easily affected by excess Heat. Due to its high rate of activity, it is also prone to disturbances in its rate which is generally a Wind / Qi disorder. The Heart also works closely with the Kidneys in maintaining balance of Fire and Water within the body. A weakness in either will cause dysfunction in the other.
The Heart is also regarded as the Seat of the Spirit in TCM. There is a close connection with the Heart and Spirit (Consciousness). Therefore, calming the Heart and Spirit is a treatment often used when their is Insomnia, Restlessness, Emotional or Mental disorders. The Gems, Pearl, Coral and Amber are all examples of medicines which work to Cool the Heart and settle the Mind and Spirit.
The Signs of the Nature of the Heart
(Taken from Syrian 'Book of Medicine', Budge, 1913)
Hot condition of the Heart:
'... are made known by the greatness (i.e., depth) of the breathing, and by the lightness and rapidity of the feel of the arteries, and by truculence, and wrath, and boldness, and by the hair that is on the breasts of [men of] this kind, and especially by a whistling sound over the heart ... and in the majority of cases the whole body is hot; but, if the liver standeth much against it, and there is breadth of chest"
"Those who possess a very ardent temperament do not need any course of treatment, but easy walking and bathing are sufficient for them, and they will therefore rejoice in bathing after meals"
Cold condition of the Heart
"... diminishes the touch (or feel) of the arteries, and the men who possess this temperament are naturally timid, and languid, and care less, and their breasts are smooth".
Dry condition of the Heart
"... makes the feel of the arteries hard, and causes a man to be slow to anger, but when his anger is roused up it becomes a savage passion, and in the majority of cases such anger subsideth with difficulty. And the whole of the bodies of men possessing this temperament is dry, provided that the liver be not found to be standing against it.
"Those who possess an exceedingly dry temperament need abundant nourishment, and they must abstain from violent and excessive exercise,such as it is well known that men abstain from in the season of summer. And frequent washing (or, bathing) is beneficial for them, and especially draughts of cold water after a meal, for these are the opposite of dry constitutions. And frequent copulation injureth them, and consequently it is meet for them to guard themselves against anger, and fatigue, and anxiety, and sleeplessness"
Moist condition of the Heart
"... causes the arteries to feel soft to the touch. Those who possess this temperament are stirred up quickly to wrath, and this wrath subsideth quickly; and the whole of their bodies is moist, provided that in this case also the liver doth not stand against it.
"... a constitution that is moist naturally during the period of youth casteth its possessor into the pains of rheum, and of superfluity, and into the sicknesses of fluxes, and therefore young folks require much exercise, and complete digestion by the stomach; ... and they will find themselves much benefited if they use water that is warm naturally. Now it is meet that we should be most careful about their evacuations which are to be brought about by means of frequent bathing and a purgative, or about the emptying of their bodies by means of the urine and faeces. And there is nothing to prevent them from making use of the helps that bring down phlegm, and purgative medicines, and foods that contain good chymes, and they may drink wine that will cause them to make water".
Hot and Dry condition of the Heart
"... causes the arteries to feel hard, and large, and rapid, and light, and the breathing of men who possess this temperament becometh great, and light, and frequent. Their breasts and the upper parts of their bellies are hairy, and their actions are fierce and savage, and they are disposed to wrath, and are truculent, and tyrannical, and they are swift to wrath, and their anger doth not quickly subside".
Heat and Moist condition of the Heart
"... they are less hairy than the class of men that hath just been mentioned. Men possessing this temperament are prompt in action, and their wrath is not followed by cruel acts, for they are only prone to be angry, and their arteries are large, and full, and light, and rapid to the touch"
Cold and Moist condition of the Heart
"... they cause the arteries to feel soft to the touch. Men who possess this temperament are timid, and languid, and careless in their works. And their whole body shaketh with their chest, and they do not nurse their wrath, because they are not prone to anger.
"Now, the cold constitution is evil, even when moistness predominates in it, and it casteth the possessor thereof into the pains of rheum. Abundant and light exercise, and the abstaining from washing, and the use of warming unguents, help men of this kind.
Cold and Dry condition of the Heart
"... they cause arteries to feel hard and small. Men who possess this temperament do not become angry on small provocation, but when once they are moved to anger, their wrath endures for a long time, and they nurse their ire. And their bodies and breasts are wholly without hair."
"There are three changes of the cold, evil condition of the heart, but the most evil of them all is the dry change, when it hath existed for a long time in those who possess a cold, dry constitution; therefore it is necessary to moisten and warm such men. This may be brought about by moderate exercises, and by the foods that are moistening and warming in character, and by the drink of hot, vinous drinks, and by abundant sleep, but we must take care that the body is emptied each day of the superfluity that is produced in their bodies. And copulation is injurious to all men with dry constitutions, and especially to .those who possess coldness as well as dryness"
Treatment of the Heart may require various strategies:
- Clear Heart Heat–Pearl, Coral, Violet, Rose
- Warm the Heart–Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Galangal
- Regulate Heart Qi–Valerian, Aloeswood, Rose, Indian Spikenard
- Move the Blood–Saffron, Frankincense, Amber, Salvia Dan Shen
- Regulate the Heart–Hawthorn, Motherwort
- Calm the Heart and Spirit–Balm, Sandalwood, Basil seed, Pearl, Coral
- Strengthen the Heart–Soloman's Seal, Ginseng, Licorice, Mastic
- Nourish Heart Yin–Lily bulb, Asparagus root, Soloman's Seal, Pearl
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Western Tradition
To Comfort the Heart
Wine Egg Yolk Confected Ginger Rob of Currants Conserve of Rose Electuary of Citron Aromaticum Rosatum Diambra Electuary of Aloeswood (Diaxyloaloes) (Mesue) Electuary of Gems Heart Weakness Cordial Decoction (French Pharmacopoeia) Syrup of Apple Simple Syrup of Borage Juice Syrup of Rose Solutive Syrup of Water Lily Syrup of Water Lily Flower Compound Sugar of Rose Sugar of Borage Sugar of Rosemary Electuary of Gems (Mesue) Electuary of Aloeswood (Diaxyloaloes) (Mesue) Royal Confection of Kermes (Mesue) Aromatic Rose Powder (Aromaticum Rosatum) Powder of Ambergris (Diambra) (Mesue) Sweet Powder of Musk (Diamoschu Dulce) (Mesue) Comp. Cooling Pearl Powder (Diamargariton Frigidum) Aromatic Rose Powder (Aromaticum Rosatum) Restorative of Nicholas (Pleres Arconticon) Aromatic Musk Compound (Aromaticum Moschatum) Cordial Powder Troches of Gallia Muscata (Mesue) Troches of Gallia Muscata (Nicholas) Troches Gallia Sebellina (Mesue) Troches of Ramich (Mesue) Oil of Myrtle Oil of Cinnamon Strengthen the Heart Cordial Decoction (Florentini) Cordial Decoction (French Pharmacopoeia) Rosemary Wine Comp. Galangal Powder (Diagalanga) (Mesue) Aromatic Rose Powder (Aromaticum Rosatum) Restorative of Nicholas (Pleres Arconticon) Letificans Almansoris (Rhasis) Royal Confection of Kermes (Mesue) Electuary of Gems (Mesue) Electuary of Aloeswood (Diaxyloaloes) (Mesue) Aromatic Musk Compound (Aromaticum Moschatum) Heart Disease Syrup of Balm (Fernelius) Tincture of Saffron Tincture of Musk Tincture of Foxglove Rosemary Wine Aromatic Rose Powder (Aromaticum Rosatum) Troches of Aloeswood (Mesue) Common Pills Heart Heat / Fire 1. Camomile boiled in Pomegranate juice 2. Rose, Violet, Pearl Cordial Decoction (Florentini) Cordial Decoction (French Pharmacopoeia) Syrup of Pomegranate Syrup of Sorrel The Heavenly Cardiac Syrup of Rose Water Syrup of Dried Rose (Fernel) Syrup of Borage Syrup of Violet Compound Syrup of Violet (De morbus internis curandis) Alterative Syrup of Apples (Fernel) Syrup of Apples Purgative (Mesue) Exhilarative Syrup (Laurent) Confection of Hyacinth Cooling Powder of Gems Powder to Cool the Heart (Augustana) New Rose Powder (Rosata Nouvelle) Electuary of Gems (Mesue) Aloeswood 8 (Tibetan Medicine) Aloeswood Clear the Heart 8 Powder Heart Cold Wine of Cinnamon Syrup of Cinnamon Electuary of Gems (Mesue) Electuary of Aloeswood (Diaxyloaloes) (Mesue) Aromatic Musk Compound (Aromaticum Moschatum) Comp. Cinnamon Powder (Diacinnamonum) (Mesue) Comp. Galangal Powder (Diagalanga) (Mesue) Warming Powder of Gems (Mesue) Warming Pearl Powder (Diamargariton Calidum) (Avic.) Heart–Melancholy of Cordial Decoction (French Pharmacopoeia) Powder of Happiness (Letificans Galeni) Powder for Evil Complexion of the Heart (Isaac) Electuary of Gems (Mesue) To make the Heart Merry Cordial Decoction (French Pharmacopoeia) Powder of Happiness (Letificans Galeni) Letificans Almansoris (Rhasis) Electuary of Gems (Mesue) |
TCM Classification
Heart Qi and Blood Deficiency
Palpitations, dizziness, insomnia, excess dreaming, poor memory, pale complexion, short of breath, spontaneous sweating, pale lips and tongue, fine and weak pulse. More paleness and cold symptoms=Blood deficiency More shortness of breath, paleness and tiredness=Qi deficiency Heart Qi and Yin Deficiency
Palpitation, anxiety, breathless, tired but with insomnia and mental restlessness, sweating on exertion, dry mouth, night sweats, forceless pulse Heart Yin Deficiency
Palpitation, insomnia, excess dream, poor memory, restlessness, dry mouth and throat, feels hot at night, floating, empty pulse Heart Yang Deficiency
Palpitation, shortness of breath, sweating, discomfort, restlessness, feels cold, cold hands, pale face, floating, deep, weak and slow pulse and a pale tongue
Heart Qi Stagnation
Palpitations, pressure of the chest, may feel like a lump in the Throat, short of Breath, sighing, poor appetite, emotional or irritable, maybe insomnia, pale, weak pulse Heart Fire
Palpitations, thirst, mouth ulcers, restless, agitated, insomnia, excess dreaming, night sweats, red face with bitter taste, Red tongue with red tip, rapid pulse
Heart Blood Stasis
Palpitations, pricking or sharp, stabbing pain in the chest maybe radiating to the shoulder or left arm, pressure feeling in the chest, breathless, a look of distress, pale or dull color, cyanosis of lips and nails, cold hands, purplish tongue, choppy or knotted pulse Heart Wind
Tibetan Medicine recognises Heart Wind as a disease. Wind in the upper body affects the Heart, Mind and Spirit. There will be chest pain and oppression, poor memory and concentration, nervousness, fatigue, mental unrest, shortness of breath, insanity. It overlaps TCM diagnosis of Heart Qi Stagnation and Internal Wind. Bi Ma La (Tibetan Medicine) Nutmeg 5 (Dza ti lnga pa) (Tibetan) The Syrian "Book of Medicine" (translated by Wallis Budge, 1913) included several medicines for Heart Wind: 1. Dill seed in infusion mixed with Honey 2. Cumin, Terebinth gum, boiled in Goat Milk 3. Dill, Fennel, Rock Parsley, boiled in Goat Milk |