Which acupoint should be treated with moxibustion for cardiac premature beats?

Mar 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Tian Hongbo

Introduction

In general, cardiac premature beats refer to premature contractions. Acupuncture points suitable for treating premature contractions include the Heart Shu point (HT7), Pericardium Shu point (PC6), Shen Men point (HT7), Zu San Li point (ST36), and Guan Yuan point (CV4). In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet, eating regular meals in moderate amounts, avoiding excessive hunger or overeating, and reducing intake of spicy, greasy, and stimulating foods can help减轻心脏负担 and prevent the occurrence of premature contractions.

Generally speaking, cardiac premature beats refer to premature contractions. Acupoints suitable for moxibustion treatment of premature contractions include the Heart Shu (HT7), Jueyin Shu (PC5), Shenmen (HT6), Zusanli (ST36), and Guanyuan (CV4) points. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Heart Shu (HT7)

Heart Shu is located 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra, along the posterior midline. It is a key acupoint through which the heart's energy is transported to the back. Moxibustion at this point directly affects the heart's meridian energy, warming and promoting heart yang, calming the heart, and stabilizing the mind. It helps improve cardiac function and regulate heart rhythm, offering some therapeutic benefit for premature contractions caused by various factors.

2. Jueyin Shu (PC5)

Jueyin Shu is located 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebra, along the posterior midline. It is the back-shu point of the pericardium. The pericardium, known as the "palace" of the heart, protects the heart from pathogenic factors. Moxibustion at Jueyin Shu regulates the pericardial meridian energy, enhances the heart's protective functions, and promotes smooth circulation of heart qi, thereby alleviating symptoms of premature contractions. This point is especially effective for premature contractions triggered by emotional or psychological factors.

3. Shenmen (HT6)

Shenmen is located on the anterior wrist region, at the ulnar end of the transverse wrist crease, on the radial edge of the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. It is the yuan-source point of the Heart Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin. Moxibustion at Shenmen nourishes heart qi, calms the mind, and restores normal heart function. It is particularly effective for premature contractions caused by heart blood deficiency and insufficient nourishment of the mind, and can effectively alleviate accompanying symptoms such as palpitations and insomnia.

4. Zusanli (ST36)

Zusanli is located on the lateral side of the lower leg, 3 cun below the犊鼻 (Dubí) point, along the line connecting Dubí and 解溪 (Jiexi). It is a major acupoint of the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming. The spleen and stomach are considered the foundation of acquired constitution and the source of blood and qi production. Moxibustion at Zusanli strengthens the spleen and stomach, promotes the generation of blood and qi, and ensures adequate nourishment for the heart, thereby enhancing cardiac function and supporting the treatment of premature contractions. It is especially suitable for premature contractions caused by spleen-stomach weakness and deficiency of blood and qi.

5. Guanyuan (CV4)

Guanyuan is located in the lower abdomen, 3 cun below the navel along the anterior midline. It is an important acupoint of the Conception Vessel (Ren Meridian) and the convergence point of the body's original qi. Moxibustion at Guanyuan strengthens the root, consolidates the foundation, and replenishes the body's original qi, ensuring sufficient vital energy and invigorating heart yang. This improves cardiac function and regulates heart rhythm, making it particularly beneficial for premature contractions caused by physical weakness and deficiency of yang energy.

In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet, eating at regular intervals, avoiding excessive hunger or overeating, and reducing the intake of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods are important to prevent additional strain on the heart and reduce the risk of premature contractions.

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Are heart palpitations a sign of myocarditis?

Premature contractions are not the same as myocarditis. Premature contractions refer to irregular heartbeats that may represent normal physiological phenomena but could also be associated with organic heart disease. Myocarditis, on the other hand, is usually related to viral infections. These two conditions are distinct; however, severe myocarditis may trigger premature contractions, leading to irregular heartbeats.

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Can a cold cause premature heartbeats?

Whether a cold causes premature contractions mainly depends on the type and severity of the cold. Non-viral colds or mild colds usually do not cause premature contractions, whereas viral or severe colds may induce viral myocarditis, thereby leading to premature contractions and associated symptoms. Therefore, it is important to promptly identify the cause of the cold and provide targeted treatment accordingly.

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Can ventricular premature beats in trigeminy rhythm return to normal?

Whether premature contractions can be restored mainly depends on the underlying cause. If caused by physiological factors, they may return to a normal state after improving lifestyle habits and generally do not require special treatment. However, premature contractions caused by pathological factors such as cardiomyopathy or coronary heart disease, especially in severe cases, are usually difficult to reverse and require treatment of the underlying disease or catheter radiofrequency ablation.

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Is cardiac premature beat a serious or minor illness?

In general, cardiac premature beats refer to premature contractions. Whether premature contractions are a minor or serious condition needs to be determined based on specific circumstances. If the episodes are infrequent and without discomfort, it is generally considered a minor issue. However, if the episodes are frequent and accompanied by significant discomfort, it may indicate a more serious condition. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and undergo relevant examinations and treatment.