Ataxiaaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Neurological Disorders, Paralysis and Movement Neurological Disorders
Did you mean? Paralysis
What is Ataxia?
Ataxia refers to a group of disorders that affect coordination, balance, and speech. It's characterized by unsteady movements and a lack of precision that can make daily tasks challenging.
This lack of coordination might be evident in a person's walk, use of hands, or speech. Ataxia can result from various causes, including genetic disorders, brain injury, or diseases affecting the nervous system. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
How does TCM view Ataxia?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on ataxia, viewing it not just as a neurological disorder but as a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body's energetic system. According to TCM, ataxia may arise from Deficiencies or blockages in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood, or from imbalances in Yin and Yang.
These disruptions can be attributed to internal factors like emotional stress or external factors such as exposure to Wind. TCM emphasizes the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony causing the ataxia, as treatments are tailored to correct these imbalances, aiming to restore the body's natural harmony and improve coordination and balance.
Acupoints for Ataxia
In the treatment of ataxia, TCM relies on acupuncture alongside herbal medicine to realign the body's Qi and address the root causes of imbalance. One specific acupoint recommended for ataxia is Tianchong GB-9, located in the Gall Bladder Channel.
Positioned posterior and superior to the auricle, Tianchong GB-9 plays a crucial role in subduing Liver Yang, expelling Interior Wind, calming the Mind, and resolving Dampness and Heat from the head. Stimulating this point can help alleviate symptoms associated with ataxia by targeting the energetic imbalances believed to contribute to the disorder. This approach reflects TCM's holistic strategy, focusing on restoring equilibrium to the entire body rather than merely addressing the overt symptoms.
See more details below about Tianchong GB-9, an acupoint used to address ataxia.
- By Meridian
- Gall Bladder Channel
