Chinese Medicine Treatment for Atherosclerosis
According to TCM theory, heart attacks or the pain of angina are usually caused by stagnant chi (life energy) or blood in the pericardium or heart meridian. This, in turn, may be due to blocked arteries, bacteria or other organisms, poor diet or "invasions" of wind, heat and other factors. TCM doctors will strive to strengthen the body with a combination of herbs and spices, diet, acupuncture, "ear acupuncture" and other therapies, as necessary. Treatment will vary according to the type of heart disease and the patient's individual characteristics.

The heart disease may be due to an obstruction of the body's energy in the chest, leading to chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath and a greasy white "fur" on the tongue. The problem may also be caused by lack of movement in the heart vessels, leading to shortness of breath, an uneven pulse, a dark purple-looking tongue and a twinge in the chest that radiates to the back and shoulders. Another type of heart disease is related to a lack of both chi and yin. In cases like this, symptoms include shortness of breath, dryness in the mouth, a weak pulse, heart palpitations and vague pain in the chest.

1. Ren Shen Zai Zao Wan (Ginseng Restorative Pills)
Tonifies blood, yin, and energy, stimulates blood circulation, and dispels stagnation. This formula is used primarily for symptoms related to stroke, including speech impediments, contractive or flaccid muscle tone in extremities, numbness and tingling in limbs, and facial paralysis. Should be administered immediately after stroke occurs.

Main ingredients:
ginseng root, Coptis, cinnamon bark, mantis egg case, angelica, tortoise plastron, Ligusticum, myrrh resin, Rehmannia, frankincense resin, Gastrodia, dragon's-blood resin, Agkistrodon pit viper, Carthamus flower, Succinum resin,

2. An Shen Pu Shin Wan (Pacify Spirit and Tonify Heart Pills)
This popular formula calms the spirit, tonifies the heart, clears obstructions from blood vessels, and harmonizes energy connection between heart Fire and kidney Water. Remedy for insomnia caused by deficient kidney and/ or heart energy, as well as related symptoms of dizziness, restlessness, excessive dreaming, and heart palpitations. Also helps remove plaque deposits from arteries, thus preventing their hardening. This formula is known for its soothing, tranquillizing effects.

Main ingredients:
mother-of-pearl, Albizia bark, Polygonum, Cuscuta, Ligustrum, Schizandrae, Eclipta leaf, Acorus, salvia root  

3. Dan Shen Tablets (Salvia Root Tablets)
This formula relieves pain in the heart due to blood stagnation and stimulates circulation in the coronary blood vessels. Effective remedy for angina pectoris, heart palpitations, pain running down left arm, and chest pains. Also reduces blood cholesterol and lipids.

Main ingredients: Salvia root , borneol crystal