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tiān wáng bǔ xīn dān • emperor of heaven’s special pill to tonify the heart • 天王补心丹

prescription
calm the spirit • nourish the heart and calm the spirit

tiān wáng bǔ xīn dān is used for patterns with

heart yin deficiency, heart and kidney yin deficiency with fire flaring, kidney yin unable to control heart fire, heart and kidney yin deficiency with heart blood xu.

symptoms indicating the use of tiān wáng bǔ xīn dān

irritability, palpitations, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, very restless sleep, inability to think or concentrate even for short periods, nocturnal emissions, forgetfulness, dry stools, mouth sores, tongue sores, low grade afternoon fever, dream disturbed sleep, night sweats, constipation.

western interpretation of tiān wáng bǔ xīn dān

heart disease, menopausal syndrome, chronic urticaria, aphthous ulcers, neurasthenia, and especially useful for those who have taken tranquilizers or sleeping pills for so long that they have ceased to have any effect, burnout, psychosomatic insomnia.

explanation of the mechanism

this is yin deficiency of the heart and kidneys. the heart governs the blood and stores the spirit, and its fire normally descends to meet with the kidneys. the kidneys store the essence and will, and kidney water normally rises to meet with the heart. when the heart and kidneys communicate harmoniously, fire and water balance each other, and the essence and heart are sufficient. under such circumstances, the spirit and will are calm and settled.

excessive thinking or deliberation injures the heart and kidneys, which depletes the blood and essence. deficient heart blood deprives the heart of nourishment, which causes palpitations with anxiety and forgetfulness. the depletion of blood and essence leads to fire from deficiency, which ascends to the heart and causes irritability, insomnia with very restless sleep, and an inability to think or concentrate for even short periods of time. night sweats and nocturnal emissions occur when the spirit rushes upward and the essence is lost downward.

disorders of the heart are manifested in the tongue; heart fire may therefore manifest as sores in the mouth and tongue. dry stools, a red tongue with little coating, and a thin, rapid pulse are common signs of yin and blood deficiency. the irritability, restlessness, and insomnia prevent the patient from getting enough sleep, which over time leads to fatigue.

(bensky & barolet)

⚠️ important note: if you experience symptoms that resemble the ones presented in the tcm pocketguide please consult a medical doctor or tcm therapist. these prescriptions are not meant for self-medication and should only be prescribed by a licensed tcm practitioner. of course you can also book a consultation with me. i would be pleased to welcome you.

tcm pocketguide

created with love in switzerland 🇨🇭

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