Understanding Bradycardia: A Chinese and Western Medicine Perspective

Supporting a Slow Heartbeat Through Holistic Care

Bradycardia is a condition where the heart beats slower than normal, typically under 60 beats per minute in adults. While a slow heart rate may be normal in athletes or during sleep, persistent bradycardia in other individuals can lead to fatigue, dizziness, or fainting, and may reflect a problem with the heart’s electrical system.Western medicine addresses bradycardia with monitoring, medications, or pacemaker implantation if the heart rate becomes dangerously low. In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on strengthening the Heart Qi, supporting the Kidneys, and restoring the body’s natural rhythm.

🔹 Symptoms of Bradycardia

Fatigue or low energy

Dizziness or light headedness

Shortness of breath Fainting or near-fainting episodes

Chest discomfort Intolerance to exercise Cold hands and feet

Bradycardia can result from aging, electrolyte imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, medications, or heart conduction disorders.

🔹 How TCM Understands Bradycardia

In Chinese medicine, bradycardia is considered a form of “Xin Ji Xu” (Heart Qi Deficiency) or “Mai Huan” (slow, irregular pulse). It reflects a lack of sufficient energy to properly drive the heart’s rhythm. The imbalance often involves the Heart, Kidney, and Spleen systems.Common TCM patterns associated with bradycardia include:

Heart Qi Deficiency → Slow pulse, fatigue, pale complexion, shortness of breath, low voice

Heart Yang Deficiency → Cold extremities, weak pulse, chest tightness, spontaneous sweating, fear of cold

Kidney Yang Deficiency → Low libido, cold back, early morning diarrhea, dizziness, tinnitus

Spleen Qi Deficiency → Digestive weakness, bloating, loose stools, low energy

Blood Stasis Obstructing the Vessels → Slow, irregular pulse with chest pain or fullness, purple lips or tongue

TCM treatment aims to warm and tonify deficient organs, invigorate circulation, and support the body’s ability to regulate the heart rhythm naturally.

🌿 How Chinese Medicine Helps with Bradycardia

✅ Acupuncture

Acupuncture promotes:

Strengthening of Heart and Kidney function

Improved blood and energy circulation

Reduction of fatigue and cold symptoms

Balance in the nervous and cardiovascular systems

✅ Herbal Medicine

Herbal formulas are tailored to your unique diagnosis and may:

Tonify Heart and Kidney Yang

Strengthen Qi and support circulation

Remove Blood stasis and improve pulse regularity

✅ Lifestyle and Diet Recommendations

TCM emphasizes warming and strengthening the body:

Avoid cold foods and drinks (which weaken Yang)Eat warm, cooked, nutrient-rich meals (soups, congee, root vegetables)Manage stress and avoid overexertion

Prioritize rest, warmth, and gentle movement (e.g., tai chi, walking)Protect the lower back and lower abdomen from cold exposure

✅ Self-Consistent Medicine System

At our clinic, we use Dr. Pan Xiaochuan’s Self-Consistent Medicine System, combining pulse diagnosis and time-based herbal therapy (morning and evening formulas) to:

Support daytime energy and nighttime restoration

Strengthen organ systems tied to heart rhythm

Gently increase metabolic and circulatory function over time

💬 Restoring Strength to a Slowing Heart

Bradycardia doesn’t always require aggressive intervention—but it does signal that your body may be running low on energy. Chinese medicine offers a safe, natural, and long-term strategy to support your heart rhythm, strengthen your organ systems, and rebuild your inner vitality.Whether you’re managing mild symptoms or looking to support your health alongside conventional care, we are here to help you return to strength and balance—from the inside out.