The Lung is considered the main organ involved in most cases of chest pain. In TCM external pathogens, such as Wind and Heat, in the form of colds, flu and pneumonia can invade the Lung organ and create phlegm. This can cause the Lung to become obstructed, and then the breathing becomes less smooth and a cough, shortness of breath or sputum may be present.

Internal conditions can also produce phlegm causing obstruction in the Heart and Lung. Poor Spleen Qi due to poor diet i.e. too much greasy food or overwork, can lead to the formation of phlegm and changes the quality of the Blood. Phlegm can produce heat and can combine with cold to obstruct the Heart and Lung to cause chest pain.

Another cause of chest pain is stagnation of Blood in the Heart. There are many reasons why blood becomes stagnant. Examples are: stress over a long period of time causing stagnation of Liver Qi which leads to stagnation of Blood in the chest. Invasion of the cold pathogen in the chest can cause contraction of channels, blocking Blood circulation. Also, physical trauma to the chest area can obstruct the flow of Blood. If the blood stagnation in the heart muscle is mild symptoms may include: left sided pain around the area of the Heart that can radiate to the left arm and the back, anxiety, palpitations and fear.

Another cause of chest pain is obstruction of Qi (energy) in the chest. Emotional disturbances such as anger stagnate Liver Qi which can lead to obstruction of Qi in the chest. Stagnant Liver Qi can obstruct the descent of Lung Qi and cause a compressed sensation in the chest. Symptoms include pain that moves from place to place and comes and goes.

In the elderly or patients with chronic disease there may be a deficiency of Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang. These deficiencies may lead to poor circulation of Qi and Blood, which can lead to obstruction in the chest. In cases of deficiency the symptoms are much less severe and will present with symptoms specific to the relevant cause.

TCM can assist in balancing the body by improving circulation and thereby reducing pain. This is done by accurate diagnosis and treatment with herbs and scrubbing/acupuncture.