In traditional Chinese medicine theory, angina can result from several types of syndromes. It can occur when qi and blood stagnate in the heart, when there is a blockage in chest yang, obstruction of the heart by heat, cold, or phlegm, or when there is a deficiency in qi and yin of the kidney and heart. Qi is energy that moves through the channels (meridians) of the body, connecting the surface of the body to the internal organs. When qi is stagnant, then the balance between yin and yang are affected and deficiency occurs. In order to stimulate the movement of qi and to restore balance in the system, specific acupoints present along the meridians are stimulated, herbal medicine are used to balance the energy, or physical exercises like qi gong and tai chi are used to self-regulate the body.

According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, there are some patterns of syndrome that lead to angina.
1. Qi and blood stagnate in the heart,
2. Obstruction of the heart by heat, cold, or phlegm
3. Deficiency in qi and yin of the kidney and heart