Heat vexation in the chest

From Plain Questions (素问 sù wèn, zhì zhēn yào dà lùn). A feeling of oppression, anguish, unease, and heat in the chest. Heat vexation in the chest is usually attributable to internal heatbut can also occur in external contractions.

Patterns

Hyperactive heart fire (心火亢盛 xīn huǒ kàng shèng): Heat vexation in the chest attributable to hyperactivity of heart fire is associated with erosion of the mouth and tongue, thirst, and reddish urine.

Medicinal therapy: Clear heat and disinhibit urine. Use Red-Abducting Powder (导赤散 dǎo chì sǎn).

Blood vacuity with flaming fire (血虚火炎 xuè xū huǒ yán) gives rise to heat vexation in the chest with anxiety and insomnia.

Medicinal therapy: Clear heat and eliminate vexation; nurture yīn and quiet the spirit. Use Coptis, Ass Hide Glue, and Egg Yolk Decoction (黄连阿胶鸡子黄汤 huáng lián ē jiāo jī zǐ huáng tāng). Heat vexation in the chest with heat in the hearts of the palms and soles is called vexing heat in the five hearts.

Externally contracted febrile disease (外感热病 wài gǎn rè bìng): Heat vexation in the chest may occur in exterior patterns or after they have abated.

Medicinal therapy: In exterior patterns, course the exterior and clear heat with Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction (栀子豉汤 zhī zǐ chǐ tāng). For residual heat after the exterior pattern has been resolved, use Lophatherum and Gypsum Decoction (竹叶石膏汤 zhú yè shí gāo tāng). Heat vexation in the chest occurring in pregnancy is called vexation of pregnancy.

Etymology

Chin 烦 fán, vexation; 热 rè, heat.