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A person with one or more of these at least 50% clogged with plaque will be diagnosed with CAD, and is at risk of having a heart attack. The artery most commonly affected is the Left Anterior descending artery, also known as The Widow Maker.
For a better understanding of how the heart functions, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWFyxn0qDEU
A complete blockage from plaque will stop blood flow, and kill part of the cardiac muscle. Without proper blood supply, the heart and its host will likely experience major problems. The most common is an acute myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack.
Warning signs of an oncoming heart attack are chest discomfort, (especially in the left side), pain in the arms, pain in the neck and jaw, (less often), nausea, stomach pain, sweating, heartburn, dizziness and exhaustion. There are times that no signs or symptoms will be felt, right up until the attack.
To treat heart disease in Traditional Western Medicine, doctors will most likely prescribe clot preventing medication, cholesterol reducing meds, or suggest bypass surgery. To prevent getting CAD in the first place; keep a well balanced, healthy diet, keep bad cholesterol levels down and good cholesterol levels up, stay physically active, and manage stress, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Health needs are hardly met by using TWM alone. Most people in the U.S. don't know they can also use "Traditional Chinese Medicine", to fight disease.
Chinese philosophy was evolved thousands of years ago, when people were in complete harmony with nature around them. In China, they believe in Qi, the vital life force. It is within us all, binding together everything in the universe. In just the human body, there are 12 different pathways that Qi flows through. One of them is called the Heart Meridian. It runs from the armpit, down the ulnar side of the arm, and to the pinky tip. See the picture below.
Where there is deficiency, (lack of) Qi, there is low energy. One or more of the 12 channels will become low on energy when a person experiences an imbalance of emotion. Emotions are directly linked to physical health. In TCM, there is a lot of focus on spiritual and emotional symptoms, as well as some physical ones.
For treatment and diagnosing, the Eastern practitioner uses the 5 element theory. Every person is believed to be made up of; wood, fire, earth, metal and water. A person with heart disease will show signs relating to the fire element.
When there is a lack of joy in our lives, all sorts of issues arise. The heart is most affected. Anger, resentment, and bitterness are emotions that follow, causing Qi stagnation in the Heart channel.
Eastern health practitioners believe that Qi stagnation is the root of all health problems. Plaque buildup is actually due to an emotional imbalance. Balancing the fire Qi works well for preventing and treating heart disease and its symptoms. For CAD, many treatments will be done along the Heart Meridian.
Emotions can be read through a person's eyes, which are the "The windows to the soul". Dullness in the eyes is an indicator that someone needs heart help. Aside from emotional signs, just to name a few; night sweats, difficulty concentrating, problems with speech, and craving bitter foods are all signs of a fire imbalance, and may indicate of a heart problem.
Modern people believe the mind guides the body, but Chinese doctors believe that the heart does. Ask someone to point at them self. They will likely point to their chest, not their head. We identify as coming from the heart, not the mind. In TCM, both spiritual and physical signs relating to the heart are not to be taken lightly.
Qi stagnation through a meridian can be helped with massage, acupuncture, energy work, or herbs. Any of these can be done by yourself, but when treated by a professional, there are generally no adverse side effects. A skilled TCM practitioner will also help guide you in the right direction, if you are stumped on where to start. Improving the flow of Qi in the Heart Meridian, and many times other meridians, will prevent plaque buildup in arteries.
Massage is a noninvasive approach that can be used for all kinds of patients. It may reduce the chance of a heart attack, arrhythmia, stress, pain, muscle spasms and anxiety. Calming massage techniques, like Effleurage, releases contracted muscles, pushes venous blood towards the heart, and eases strain and tension of recovering heart surgery patients.
Acupuncture is a great way to stimulate Qi directly through special points along a meridian. There are nine points that make up the Heart channel.
Meditation is just one of the many forms of Energy work. Cultivating a strong will with good intentions can rid of physical stagnation.
Herbs that work for heart health are usually bitter in taste. They may lower blood pressure, thin the blood, relieve pain, fight against diabetes, and prevent heart attack. Do your own research prior to trying an herb. Check with your primary care physician, and be aware of known risks.
Traditional Chinese methods are so valuable, they've worked for over 2,500 years. They work best for preventative care, while Western medicine is better equipped to deal with trauma and diagnosing.
With all of that being said, knowledge from both cultures can be used to create a well rounded health style. Your best bet for preventing or treating CAD is to use an integrative approach; A blend of Western and Eastern medicine.
"If you see a leaf blowing in the wind, Western medicine is the leaf, Chinese medicine is the wind."
To explore the benefits of Traditional Eastern Medicine, come to the Alaska Institute of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture, and Massage Therapy, located at 2636 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, Alaska 99503.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronary-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350613
https://www.amtamassage.org/articles/1/News/detail/3013/massage-therapy-for-heart-health
https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/11/04/how-massage-can-benefit-your-heart
http://www.onlinejacc.org/content/69/24/2952
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27126196
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-embolism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354647
https://www.chinesemedicineliving.com/medicine/organs/the-heart/
https://www.theepochtimes.com/understanding-the-heart-of-chinese-medicine_1944277.html
