Mouth Deviationaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Oral Conditions
What is Mouth Deviation?
Mouth deviation refers to a condition where the mouth appears uneven or lopsided, a physical manifestation often linked to neurological imbalances. Medically, it is considered a sign of underlying issues, such as nerve damage, muscle dysfunction, or a stroke. It affects not just the appearance but can also influence facial movement and expression, making it a condition that can significantly impact one's quality of life.
How does TCM View Mouth Deviation?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a 'pattern' reflects an underlying disharmony within the body's energy system, which may present as symptoms like mouth deviation. Understanding this pattern is vital as it determines the treatment strategy.
For mouth deviation, TCM often identifies 'Interior Wind' as the disrupting pattern, signifying a dynamic disturbance affecting the flow of Qi. By discerning the specific pattern, a TCM practitioner can provide a targeted treatment plan to restore balance and address the root cause of the symptom.
Root Causes of Mouth Deviation in TCM
In the landscape of TCM, the causes of mouth deviation can be traced to factors such as Interior Wind, which is a metaphor for a disturbance in the body’s natural flow of energy. For instance, the sudden onset of mouth deviation may be seen as the culmination of a deeper imbalance, such as Liver Yang rising, which in TCM is thought to agitate the body's harmony and cause involuntary movements or changes like mouth deviation.
Explore below more details about what might cause Mouth deviation according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Wind
Wind
In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more
Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Mouth Deviation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Wind | Mouth deviation, Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Eye deviation, Tremors, Headaches, Limb numbness... see more | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Mouth Deviation
In addressing mouth deviation, TCM emphasizes the importance of tailoring treatments to the individual's specific pattern of disharmony. A formula such as Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, which is designed to pacify and extinguish Internal Wind, may be prescribed, with ingredients like Gastrodia Rhizomes that are believed to calm the Liver Wind and alleviate symptoms. The choice of treatment is highly personalized, aiming to restore the delicate balance of Qi and Blood in the patient's body.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address mouth deviation, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Wind
- Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that tonify blood
Top Formula for Wind:
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause mouth deviation, such as Interior Wind
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Mouth Deviation Caused by Wind
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Interior Wind |
| Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Interior Wind |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind |
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind |
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Interior Wind |
| Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Interior Wind |
| Bu Gan Tang | Interior Wind |
| Si Wu Tang | Interior Wind |
Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind
These formulas are suitable for some mouth deviation-causing patterns like Interior Wind.
One such formula is Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, with gastrodia rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for mouth deviation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Interior Wind |
| Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Interior Wind |
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Interior Wind |
| Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Interior Wind |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some mouth deviation-causing patterns like Interior Wind.
One such formula is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for mouth deviation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind |
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind |
Formulas that tonify Blood
These formulas are suitable for some mouth deviation-causing patterns like Interior Wind.
One such formula is Bu Gan Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for mouth deviation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Bu Gan Tang | Interior Wind |
| Si Wu Tang | Interior Wind |
Acupoints for Mouth Deviation
In TCM, treating mouth deviation often involves acupoints like Dicang (ST-4), situated lateral to the mouth corner, which is targeted to directly alleviate asymmetry. Fengchi (GB-20), at the base of the skull, is another key point believed to quell internal disharmonies that manifest as mouth deviation.
These points are selected for their purported influence on the body’s meridians, energy flow, and their role in addressing the specific TCM pattern present in the individual.
Explore below some acupoints used to address mouth deviation, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Stomach Channel
- Gall Bladder Channel
- Bladder Channel
- Large Intestine Channel
- Triple Burner Channel
- Liver Channel
- Directing Vessel
- Kidney Channel
- Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
- Lung Channel
- Small Intestine Channel
- Governing Vessel
Daying ST-5
On the lateral mandible, on the anterior border of masseter muscle, in the groove-like depression appearing when the cheek is bulged.
Jiache ST-6
One finger-breadth anterior and superior to the lower angle of the mandible where masseter muscle attaches at the prominence of the muscle when the teeth are clenched.
Xiaguan ST-7
In the depression at the lower border of the zygomatic arch, anterior to the condyloid process of the mandible. Xiaguan ST-7 is located when the mouth is closed.
Chongyang ST-42
Distal to Jiexi ST-41, at the highest point of the dorsum of foot, between the tendons of the extensor hallucis longus and the extensor digitorum longus, directly lateral to the point where the dorsalis pedis artery may be palpated. The point is bordered proximally by the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones and distally by the 2nd and 3rd cuneiform bones.
Tinghui GB-2
Anterior to the intertragic notch, directly below Tinggong SI-19, at the posterior border of the condyloid process of the mandible.
Hanyan GB-4
Within the hairline of the temporal region, midway of the upper half of the distance between Touwei ST-8 and Qubin GB-7.
Qubin GB-7
Within the hairline anterior and superior to the auricle, about 1 finger-breadth (0.5 cun) anterior to Jiaosun TB-20 which is on the apex of the ear.
Yangbai GB-14
On the forehead, 1 cun above the midpoint of the eyebrow, approximately at the junction of the upper two-thirds and lower third of the vertical line draw from the anterior hairline to the eyebrow.
Fengchi GB-20
In the posterior aspect of the neck, below the occipital bone, in the depression between the upper portion of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscle.
Chengguang BL-6
1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 2.5 cun within the anterior hairline. On the other hand, this point is at the medial third and lateral two-thirds of the distance from anterior midline to the line vertically from Touwei ST-8. Chengguang BL-6 is also 1.5 cun posterior to Wuchu BL-5.
Luoque BL-8
1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 5.5 cun superior to the anterior hairline. Or 0.5 cun posterior to Baihui Du-20 at the vertex.
Hegu LI-4
Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.
Wenliu LI-7
When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 5 cun above Yangxi LI-5 at the wrist crease, 1 cun distal to the midpoint of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
Yingxiang LI-20
In the nasolabrial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of ala nasi.
Yifeng TB-17
Posterior to the lobule of the ear, in the depression between the mandible and mastoid process.
Ermen TB-21
In the depression anterior to the supratragic notch and slightly superior to the condyloid process of the mandible. The point should be located and needled with mouth open. Tinggong SI-19 and Tinghui GB-2 are located below Ermen TB-21.
Erheliao TB-22
Anterior and superior to Ermen TB-21, level with the root of the auricle, on the posterior border of the hairline of the temple where the superficial temporal artery passes.
Xingjian LIV-2
Between the first and second toe, on the dorsum of the foot, 0.5 cun proximal to the interdigital fold.
Taichong LIV-3
On the dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones, in the depression proximal to the metatarsophalangeal joints and the proximal angle between the two bones.
Lieque LU-7
Above the styloid process of the radius, about 1.5 cun proximal to the wrist crease (wrist joint space) in a V-shaped depression.
