Atrial fibrillation


Understanding Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): A Chinese and Western Medicine Perspective

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.


🔹 Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

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.


🔹 How TCM Understands Atrial Fibrillation

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.


🌿 Chinese Medicine Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation

✅ Acupuncture

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 Medicine

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

✅ Lifestyle and Diet Support

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

✅ ZiQia Self-Consistent Medicine System

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


💬 Integrative Support for a Stronger Heart

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.