By Dr. Alicia Masiulis, DACCHM, FABORM, LAC
Experiencing a racing heart or heart palpitations can be extremely unsettling. The heart provides our body’s internal rhythm, and when that rhythm feels irregular, too fast, or just “off”, it can be challenging to concentrate on anything else.
Recently, I have seen a noticeable rise in younger and middle-aged patients experiencing tachycardia, palpitations, and irregular heart rhythms. In many cases, their conventional medical workup is largely normal, which can make these symptoms even more frustrating and confusing.
The reasons for this rise in racing heart rate may include: lingering post-covid symptoms, complex health issues such as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), systemic inflammation, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), panic attacks, chronic stress and/or anxiety.
While conventional medicine plays an essential role in evaluating and ruling out serious cardiovascular conditions, many patients find that medications alone do not fully resolve their symptoms or the side effects of medication are not desirable for various reasons. Sometimes, Western medicine is not even able to determine the cause of chest pain, irregular heart rate, and/or tachycardia and the only recommendation is too “reduce stress”. This is where Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can provide valuable, complimentary support to decrease the intensity and frequency of symptoms to improve quality of life. No cause found? No recommendations from your primary care doctor or cardiovascular specialist? Don’t worry we still have solutions for you!
Acupuncture
Research suggests that acupuncture can help regulate heart rate variability and stabilize heart rhythm. It may also reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-10. In addition, acupuncture helps shift the nervous system out of a heightened “fight-or-flight” state and restore parasympathetic balance, supporting relaxation and cardiovascular regulation, (Sheeja Begum, 2025).
By calming sympathetic nervous system overactivity, acupuncture can help reduce palpitations, ease anxiety, and improve overall cardiovascular resilience.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine has a long history of supporting cardiovascular health. One well-known formula used for heart support is Sheng Mai San, which dates back more than 1,000 years.
In China, this formula is sometimes used in hospital settings for serious cardiac conditions. In the United States, it is typically used in outpatient settings as part of integrative care.
Sheng Mai San is commonly used to help regulate the heart in certain types of palpitations and tachycardia. Research has shown it to be effective in many area including viral myocarditis (Zhang, B.R., 2024). It is also used in combination with other herbs to help regulate heart rhythm and increase blood plasma volume in individuals with POTS, (Wei, L., 2025).
Additionally, Sheng Mai San may be helpful in supporting the heart during periods of emotional stress or shock.
Sheng Mai San includes three herbs:
- Ophiopogon (Mai Men Dong): Often referred to as the “opera singer’s herb” in Chinese medicine, Ophiopogon helps generate fluids and moisturize tissues. Research suggests it may also support brain health and anti-tumor activity, improve learning, reduce inflammation, and help regulate immune function (Ouyang, 2022).
- Schisandra: Schisandra berries contain lignans that help protect cells from damage by increasing glutathione cellular levels, one of the body’s key antioxidants. Schisandra is shown to help protect cardiovascular cells, regulate immune function, and support cellular repair while maintaining healthy fluid balance (Ouyang, 2022).
- Ginseng or Codonopsis: The third herb in Sheng Mai San is typically either ginseng or codonopsis. Ginseng has been studied for its ability to support mental clarity and focus, improve physical endurance and muscle recovery, enhance oxygen utilization by cells, and reduce inflammation. It is an adaptogen that helps the body better manage stress and build resilience.
Supporting the Heart Naturally
The human heart is remarkably resilient. Integrative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and targeted supplementation can provide meaningful support for patients experiencing palpitations, tachycardia, and related symptoms.
When used alongside appropriate medical care, these therapies can help calm the nervous system, support cardiovascular health, and improve overall quality of life. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine are powerful tools to give our hardworking hearts some extra love and support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Integrative Therapies for Heart Palpitations & Irregularities
Can acupuncture help heart palpitations caused by anxiety?
Yes, acupuncture is commonly used to help regulate the nervous system and reduce the “fight-or-flight” response associated with anxiety. By promoting parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity, acupuncture may help decrease both anxiety and the frequency of heart palpitations.
Can acupuncture help with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)?
Acupuncture may help support patients with POTS by regulating the autonomic nervous system, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation. Many patients find it helpful as part of a comprehensive treatment plan alongside conventional medical care.
How long does it take for acupuncture to help heart palpitations?
Some patients notice improvement within a few treatments, while others may require several weeks of care depending on the underlying cause of their symptoms. Chronic or complex cases may benefit from a series of treatments combined with herbal medicine or lifestyle changes. I typically recommend a minimum of 6-12 sessions.
Can Chinese herbal medicine help regulate heart rhythm?
Certain traditional herbal formulas have been used for centuries to support cardiovascular health and calm the heart. Formulas such as Sheng Mai San may help regulate heart rhythm, support circulation, and improve resilience to stress when prescribed by a qualified practitioner.
Is acupuncture safe for people with heart conditions?
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained practitioner. However, it should always be used alongside appropriate medical evaluation, especially if symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, or persistent irregular heartbeat are present.
Can inflammation cause heart palpitations?
Yes, inflammation can affect the nervous system and cardiovascular system, sometimes contributing to palpitations or irregular heart rhythms. Integrative approaches such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle changes may help reduce inflammatory stress on the body.
Can acupuncture help palpitations after COVID?
Some patients experience lingering symptoms after viral illness, including heart palpitations or tachycardia. Acupuncture may help regulate the autonomic nervous system, reduce inflammation, and support recovery in individuals experiencing post-viral symptoms.
What conditions can cause heart palpitations besides heart disease?
Heart palpitations can be caused by many factors, including stress, anxiety, dehydration, hormonal changes, POTS, anemia, inflammation, viral illness, thyroid imbalance, and certain medications. A proper medical evaluation is important to determine the underlying cause.
Dr. Alicia Masiulis, DACCHM, L.Ac., FABORM practices functional medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy and herbal medicine at Peninsula Integrative Medicine in the San Francisco Bay Area. Schedule an appointment online or call our office at (650) 485-2758 for a 10-minute complimentary consultation to see how how functional medicine, herbal medicine and/or acupuncture may help you.
References:
Kim, T. H., Choi, T. Y., Lee, M. S., & Ernst, E. (2011). Acupuncture treatment for cardiac arrhythmias: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. International journal of cardiology, 149(2), 263-265.
Ouyang, Y., Tang, L., Hu, S., Tian, G., Dong, C., Lai, H. & Yang, H. (2022). Shengmai san-derived compound prescriptions: A review on chemical constituents, pharmacokinetic studies, quality control, and pharmacological properties. Phytomedicine, 107, 154433.
Sheeja Begum, N., Saravanan, V., & Mooventhan, A. (2025). Management of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome through Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. Medical Acupuncture, 37(5), 413-415.
Wei, L., Cheng, H., Chen, S., Dai, J., Li, G., Ding, D. & Hou, J. (2025). Pathophysiological mechanisms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome analyzed by means of hemodynamics. PloS one, 20(7), e0327236.
Zhang, B. R., Liu, X. H., Ling, Y. T., Lu, C. L., Jin, X. Y., Wei, Y. M. & Liu, J. P. (2024). Effectiveness and Safety of Shengmai San for Viral Myocarditis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Cardiovascular Therapeutics, 2024(1), 2127018.