In Chinese medicine this is also known as 'Chest Painful Obstruction' or 'Chest Bi'. It is characterised by a feeling of oppression and pain in the chest, extending to the shoulders. If the pain is particularly severe then there may be a stabbing pain in the heart region on the left side of the chest extending to the left shoulder and down the left arm. This corresponds to the Heart channel in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture.

Normally patients who come to the clinic with chest pain have seen their GP and had various tests done. This is obviously very important and there are times when Western medical intervention is necessary, however that is not to say that acupuncture would not be beneficial. A combination of orthodox medicine and acupuncture may be a good approach to take.

Within Chinese medicine, the body is divided up into three burners; the upper burner, the middle burner and the lower burner. The Upper Burner houses the heart and lung organs. Due to their anatomical relationship and interdependent functions, a problem with the Lungs can affect the Heart and visa versa. According to the theory of Chinese medicine, the lungs govern the movement of qi (energy) and qi is needed to help the heart circulate blood throughout the body. Imbalances of the Lung and/ or Heart can lead to chest pain.

Differentiation of chest pain is made according to the theory of Chinese medicine and this will determine appropriate acupuncture treatment. All pain is caused by stagnation however it is important to identify what is causing this stagnation and at what level this is occurring. What follows is an outline of possible causes of chest pain.

(a) Cold from the environment can invade the chest and obstruct the movement of energy. The nature of cold is to contract things, we all feel this on a cold winter's day when we tense up our muscles to try and stay warm. This is more likely to happen if you are someone who suffers from the cold easily and spends time outside in cold weather without wearing appropriate clothing.

(b) Poor diet can lead to the production of 'Phlegm ' which then settles on the chest and obstructs the movement of Qi.

(c) Long term emotional problems (including stress) can cause qi to stagnate in the chest, resulting in chest pain.

(d) Old age. As we get older we are generally more prone to 'stagnation', i.e. aches and pains, digestive disturbances, etc., etc. Our energy becomes weaker and is unable to move so freely.

During the initial consultation a lot of information is gathered to determine what is causing the chest pain.