Coronary Artery Disease Treatment Through Traditional Chinese Medicine
Coronary artery disease, commonly known today as angina or myocardial infarction, has been documented in classical Chinese medical texts for over 2,000 years. In ancient times, it was referred to as "zhen xin tong" (true heart pain) and "jue xin tong" (fainting heart pain) in the Huangdi Neijing, one of the foundational texts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Later, during the Han Dynasty, Zhang Zhongjing described the condition as "xiong bi" (chest obstruction) in his treatise "Shang Han Za Bing Lun," a term still used in modern TCM practice.
Understanding the Pathology of Coronary Artery Disease in TCM
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the primary pathogenesis of coronary artery disease is the obstruction of the heart meridians. This condition is classified as a complex syndrome involving both deficiency and excess factors. The root cause typically involves deficiency in vital energy (Qi), blood, Yin, or Yang, while the superficial symptoms are often due to blood stasis, phlegm accumulation, Qi stagnation, or cold congealing. The main organ affected is the heart, but the liver, spleen, and kidneys also play significant roles in the development and progression of this condition.
TCM Treatment Approaches Based on Disease Stage
1. Acute Phase: Treating the Superficial Symptoms
During the acute phase of coronary artery disease, the focus of treatment is on addressing the excess or superficial symptoms. Depending on the specific manifestation—such as Qi stagnation, blood stasis, cold obstruction, or phlegm accumulation—therapeutic strategies may include Qi-regulating, blood-activating, warming, or phlegm-resolving methods. These approaches aim to quickly alleviate symptoms and restore balance within the body.
2. Remission Phase: Strengthening the Root Deficiencies
Once the acute symptoms subside and the patient enters the remission phase, the treatment shifts to addressing the underlying deficiencies. Depending on whether the patient exhibits Qi deficiency, blood deficiency, Yin deficiency, or Yang deficiency, specific tonifying therapies such as Qi-enriching, blood-nourishing, Yin-nourishing, or Yang-warming treatments are applied. This stage focuses on strengthening the body's internal balance to prevent recurrence.
3. Physical and Complementary Therapies
Traditional Chinese Medicine also incorporates various physical therapies that have shown promising results in clinical settings. These include auricular acupressure (ear seed therapy), herbal medicine, topical herbal plasters, acupuncture, and acupressure techniques. These modalities are often used alongside internal medicine to enhance therapeutic effects and improve overall patient outcomes.
Lifestyle and Preventive Care in TCM
In addition to medical interventions, TCM emphasizes the importance of lifestyle adjustments for managing coronary artery disease. Patients are advised to maintain emotional stability and avoid excessive emotional fluctuations, including extreme joy, anger, anxiety, or prolonged stress. A calm and positive mindset is considered essential for heart health.
It is also recommended to maintain a regular daily routine, ensuring proper rest and sleep. The living environment should be quiet, well-ventilated, and comfortable in terms of temperature. Dietary recommendations include consuming light, low-salt meals, avoiding overeating, and incorporating plenty of fruits and fiber-rich foods to ensure smooth bowel movements. Stimulants such as tobacco and alcohol should be strictly avoided.
Furthermore, a balanced approach to work and rest is crucial. During the remission phase, patients should ensure adequate rest while also engaging in moderate physical activity that allows for dynamic relaxation. This concept of "movement within stillness" helps maintain cardiovascular health without overexertion.