Angina pectoris, a cardiac condition, commonly affects middle-aged and elderly individuals and can be life-threatening if neglected. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it falls under the category of chest obstruction (胸痹). Treatment focuses on relieving angina and lowering blood lipids. Western medicine emphasizes dilating coronary arteries to improve blood circulation and myocardial perfusion while reducing blood viscosity—acting swiftly but carrying certain side effects.TCM focuses on balancing yin and yang, unblocking qi and blood flow, thereby achieving dual effects of preventing and treating angina. Its effects are long-lasting but relatively weaker in addressing symptoms. Clinical reports indicate that combined TCM and Western external therapies for angina have yielded favorable outcomes. The following summarizes selected approaches from various practitioners.
Ultrasonic Nebulization of Tongmai Liquid Tongmai Liquid is prepared by decocting Biota orientalis, Asarum sieboldii, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Cyperus rotundus, and Aquilaria agallocha, with each ml equivalent to 1g of crude herbs. Administer 20ml per session via ultrasonic nebulizer inhalation twice daily, with one month constituting one treatment phase.extract volatile components via steam distillation. Infuse 210g of red ginseng root heads with the distilled Chuanxiong residue. Concentrate the decoction to 150ml, add 95% ethanol to achieve 80% ethanol content. After settling, filter. Add 35g of Styrax and 56g of borneol to the filtrate, dissolve, then combine with the Chuanxiong volatile solution. Dilute with distilled water to 1400ml.and 56g borneol. After settling, filter again. Combine with the Ligusticum volatile aqueous solution, add distilled water to 1400ml, and divide into 200 glass bottles (7ml each).sealed with pump caps. When using, remove the plastic cap, shake well, and spray 1–2 times under the tongue. For angina, spray 2–3 times per dose, 3 times daily. One treatment phase lasts 10 days.
How to Relieve Angina Pain Quickly with Auricular Acupuncture
Chinese Herbal Nebulization: 60g Maodongqing (Ilex paraguariensis),30g Salvia miltiorrhiza, 12g Ligusticum chuanxiong, 15g Aquilaria agallocha, 15g Hirudo nipponica. Decoct to yield 100-150ml liquid. Inhale 30-50ml via open-face mask for mouth and nose. Maintain mist output at 1-2ml per minute. Each session lasts 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times daily.Clinical studies indicate this method effectively treats unstable angina with an overall efficacy rate of 88.2%.
Topical Nitroglycerin Preparations Nitroglycerin is a familiar name—the most commonly used and effective drug for preventing and treating angina. Over its 100-year history, it has saved countless lives among coronary heart disease patients.Beyond sublingual tablets, controlled-release oral tablets, and injectables, nitroglycerin offers two topical formulations:
(1) Patch: Nitroglycerin patches feature an aluminum foil backing with a paste-like drug layer covered by an elliptical film of drug powder.Upon use, the protective layer is removed and the patch applied to areas such as the chest, upper arm, or abdomen. The drug is slowly released through the skin into the bloodstream, bypassing hepatic metabolism and enhancing bioavailability. Each 10 cm² patch contains 25 mg of nitroglycerin.Blood concentration reaches steady state within 2 hours after application, with sustained action lasting up to 24 hours. This makes it suitable for preventing slow-onset angina. Effects cease rapidly after removal, and repeated use does not cause drug accumulation. Initial treatment may use one patch daily. Long-term use may induce drug tolerance; dosage can be increased but should not exceed four patches per day.
(2) Aerosol: Nitroglycerin ethanol solution is filled into a sealed aerosol canister. Propelled by a propellant, the solution is sprayed as a mist into the oral cavity. Rapid absorption through the oral mucosa delivers effects within 30 seconds, alleviating angina. This formulation offers high efficacy, rapid onset, stable action, and convenience, presenting broad development prospects.
Ear Acupuncture for Rapid Relief of Sudden Angina Pectoris
What should you do if angina pectoris suddenly occurs outside a hospital setting without access to emergency medication? The simplest and most effective first-aid method is ear acupuncture to quickly relieve pain and alleviate symptoms.
How to Use Auricular Acupuncture for Rapid Pain Relief During Angina Attacks
The technique involves locating the Erzhong acupoint at the center of the auricular rim's base using a matchstick, toothpick, thin twig, or small nail. Apply pressure to the most sensitive tender point identified here.Apply moderate pressure to this point for about 1 minute to achieve pain relief. Angina symptoms should subside within 2-3 minutes. Results are more effective when performed by another person rather than self-administered. If pain persists for 10 minutes without improvement, call an ambulance.
When pressing the Ear Center Point, sensations like stinging, aching, distending pain, burning pain, or numbness are normal reactions. Start by pressing the point on the left ear. If the effect is not pronounced, switch to pressing the point on the right ear. After achieving relief with one session, press the point 6-8 times daily to consolidate the effect.