Supporting Heart Rhythm Naturally and Holistically
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) where the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat rapidly and chaotically. This disrupts normal blood flow and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and fatigue.While Western medicine focuses on medication, procedures like cardioversion or ablation, and blood thinners to reduce stroke risk, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a complementary, root-focused approach. TCM seeks to calm the heart rhythm, nourish the organs, and support the body’s natural ability to regulate itself.
Irregular or rapid heart beat Palpitations or “fluttering” in the chest
Fatigue or weakness Dizziness or light headedness
Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort or anxiety
Some people may have no symptoms at all
AFib may be occasional (paroxysmal), persistent, or permanent. It can be triggered by stress, high blood pressure, thyroid imbalance, sleep apnea, or heart disease.
In Chinese medicine, AFib is classified under “Xin Ji” (Heart Palpitations) and “Zhen Chong” (palpitating pulse). It is seen as a disorder of the Heart system, but also deeply connected to the Kidney, Liver, and Spleen.Common TCM patterns associated with AFib:
Heart Qi or Heart Yang Deficiency → Fatigue, cold hands, spontaneous sweating, pale complexion, weak pulse
Heart Yin Deficiency with Empty Heat → Night palpitations, dry mouth, restlessness, insomnia, red tongue with little coating
Heart Blood Deficiency → Dizziness, poor memory, light palpitations, pale tongue and lips
Phlegm-Damp Obstruction → Heaviness, chest tightness, fatigue, foggy thinking, thick tongue coating
Liver Qi Stagnation with Heat → Stress-related AFib, irritability, chest tightness, wiry pulse
The goal of TCM is not only to calm the irregular rhythm, but to rebalance the internal system that sustains heart harmony.
Acupuncture helps:
Regulate the autonomic nervous system
Calm the Shen (mind/spirit)Strengthen Heart Qi and Blood circulation
Reduce anxiety and improve sleep
Support long-term heart rhythm stability
Herbal prescriptions are tailored to each person’s pattern and may:
Nourish Heart Qi, Blood, and Yin
Clear internal Heat or resolve Phlegm
Tonify Kidney and Spleen support systems
Calm the Shen and reduce over-excitability of the heart
In TCM, heart health is deeply tied to emotions, rest, and digestion. We advise:
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and overly spicy or greasy foods
Maintain regular sleep and avoid exhaustion
Practice stress management (e.g., tai chi, meditation, breathwork)Nourish the Heart with foods like goji berries, red dates, and dark leafy greens
Avoid extreme emotional swings or suppression
At our clinic, we use Dr. Pan Xiaochuan’s ZiQia Medicine System, integrating pulse diagnosis and morning-evening herbal strategies to support:
Day-night autonomic rhythm regulation
Energy and emotional coherence
Long-term prevention of arrhythmia recurrence
Atrial fibrillation may be complex, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With the combined wisdom of Chinese medicine and modern cardiology, we can offer a safe, complementary path to help regulate heart rhythm, reduce symptoms, and restore balance to both body and mind.Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing chronic AFib alongside medication, we’re here to support your journey to better heart health—naturally, gently, and holistically.