Understanding Heart Vessel Obstruction: The "Chest Pain" Pattern

What is "Heart Vessel Obstructed"?

In Chinese Medicine, the Heart is the "Emperor," and like any ruler, it has its own network of vessels that supply it with vital energy (Qi) and Blood. These are the Heart's own supply roads. In a healthy person, these roads are wide open and the flow is smooth.

In a case of Heart Vessel Obstructed, these vital pathways have become blocked. The flow of Qi and Blood is impaired, and the Heart muscle itself is not receiving the nourishment it needs. This is what causes the primary symptom of this pattern: chest pain.

The blockage is typically caused by one or a combination of the following:

  • Phlegm: A thick, sludgy substance that clogs the vessels, often resulting from a diet rich in greasy or sweet foods. This causes a feeling of oppression and heaviness in the chest.
  • Blood Stasis: Blood that has become stagnant and is not flowing smoothly. Think of it like debris in a river. This causes a sharp, stabbing, fixed pain.
  • Internal Cold: Cold can constrict the vessels, just like cold weather makes your hands feel tight. This causes a constricting pain that may feel better with warmth.

This obstruction often develops on top of an underlying weakness (a deficiency of Qi or Yang energy), which means the "push" to keep the vessels clear is insufficient.

The common signs of Heart Vessel Obstructed are significant:

  • Chest pain, which can be oppressive, constricting, or stabbing and sharp.
  • The pain may be fixed in one place or radiate to the left shoulder, arm, or even the jaw.
  • Shortness of breath, especially with physical exertion.
  • Palpitations or an irregular heartbeat.
  • A purple or dusky colour on the lips, nails, or tongue, indicating poor circulation (Blood Stasis).

IMPORTANT NOTE: All forms of chest pain require a thorough evaluation by a medical doctor. Our work with acupressure is designed to be a supportive therapy that complements your GP's care. It aims to improve circulation and ease constriction from a Chinese Medicine perspective, but it does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.

Lifestyle Advice: Promote Flow and Remove Obstruction

Our strategy is to gently move Qi and Blood, transform Phlegm, and avoid things that cause further constriction.

1. Adopt a "Heart-Healthy" Diet:
This is the single most powerful change you can make.

  • Eat Foods that Move Blood: Hawthorn berry (available as a tea or supplement), turmeric, chives, onions, garlic (in moderation), and black wood-ear mushrooms are excellent.
  • Eat Foods that Resolve Phlegm: Radish, turnip, celery, and mushrooms.
  • STRICTLY AVOID:
    • All Greasy, Fried, or Fatty Foods (this includes rich red meat and processed foods).
    • ALL Dairy Products and Sugar (these are the primary sources of Phlegm).
    • Excessive Salt, which burdens the Heart.
    • Cold Foods and Iced Drinks, which constrict the vessels. Favour warm, cooked meals and drinks.

2. Gentle Movement is Essential:
The goal is to encourage circulation without straining the Heart.

  • Daily Walking: A gentle 20-30 minute walk each day is one of the best exercises for this condition.
  • Tai Chi or Qigong: These ancient practices are specifically designed to promote the smooth flow of Qi and Blood in a gentle, non-strenuous way.
  • Avoid: Heavy lifting, sprinting, or any exercise that causes chest pain or extreme shortness of breath.

3. Manage Emotional Stress:
Stress and intense emotions cause Qi to stagnate and can constrict the vessels.

  • Practice Deep Breathing: Slow, calm, diaphragmatic breathing has a profound effect on relaxing the nervous system and opening the chest.
  • Cultivate Calm: Actively avoid situations that cause you intense anger, stress, or anxiety. Prioritise a peaceful state of mind.

4. Acupressure at Home:
Here is a crucial combination to open the chest and move stagnation.

  • Pericardium 6 (Neiguan - "Inner Gate"): The most important point for all Heart and chest issues.
    • Location: On your inner forearm, three finger-widths up from your main wrist crease, between the two prominent tendons.
    • How to: Apply firm pressure for 1-2 minutes. This point powerfully opens the chest, regulates the Heart, and calms the spirit.
  • Spleen 4 (Gongsun - "Grandfather Grandson"): To transform Phlegm and move Blood Stasis in the chest.
    • Location: On the inside of your foot, in the depression just behind the base of the big toe bone.
    • How to: Apply firm pressure for 1-2 minutes. This point works in tandem with PC6 to resolve the root causes of the obstruction.

By taking these proactive and gentle steps, you can actively support the health of your Heart's vessels and improve your overall well-being.