Skin Numbnessaccording to TCM
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Symptom families: General Body Pain and Discomfort, Dermatological Conditions & Symptoms
What is Skin Numbness?
Skin numbness, a common sensation, refers to a loss or decrease in skin sensitivity. It can manifest as a tingling or a complete lack of feeling in the affected area. This symptom might arise from a variety of causes, such as nerve compression, poor circulation, or as a side effect of certain medical conditions. While often temporary, persistent numbness may require medical evaluation to identify and treat the underlying cause.
How does TCM view Skin Numbness?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets skin numbness differently from Western medicine. In TCM, numbness is viewed as a symptom arising from imbalances or blockages within the body's energetic pathways.
This perspective considers a range of underlying patterns of disharmony rather than isolating the symptom to a specific physical cause. TCM emphasizes the need to accurately diagnose the underlying pattern to effectively treat the numbness, underscoring a holistic approach to health.
Root Causes of Skin Numbness in TCM
TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to skin numbness. Two prominent causes include Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis. Qi Deficiency, particularly patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency, is linked with symptoms such as generalized fatigue and weakness, indicating an overall energy deficit affecting bodily functions.
Blood Stasis, or Blood Stagnation, is characterized by symptoms like numbness with fixed stabbing pain, suggesting an obstruction in blood flow. These examples showcase TCM's comprehensive approach, connecting skin numbness to broader systemic issues rather than viewing it as an isolated symptom.
Explore below more details about what might cause Skin numbness according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Qi Deficiency
- Blood Deficiency
- Blood Stasis
- View More Causes
Qi Deficiency
Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more
Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Skin Numbness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi and Blood Deficiency | Numbness in the skin, Numbness, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more | Gui Pi Tang | Ba Zhen Tang | Guo Qi Yin | Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Skin Numbness
In TCM, treatment for skin numbness varies based on the identified pattern. For Qi Deficiency patterns, Gui Pi Tang, containing Ginseng (Ren Shen), is often used to nourish Qi and Blood.
In cases of Blood Stasis, Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), is recommended to invigorate Blood and dispel Stagnation. These formulas align with the TCM principle of addressing the specific imbalances contributing to the symptom, demonstrating the personalized nature of TCM treatments.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address skin numbness, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Qi Deficiency
- Blood Deficiency
- Blood Stasis
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Gui Pi Tang
Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause skin numbness, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Skin Numbness Caused by Qi Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Gui Pi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Ba Zhen Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Guo Qi Yin | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Acupoints for Skin Numbness
TCM also employs acupuncture for managing skin numbness. Specific acupoints are chosen based on their efficacy in addressing the underlying patterns. For instance, Futu ST-32 on the Stomach Channel, located on the thigh, is known for its ability to remove obstructions from the channel and expel Wind and Dampness, both of which can contribute to numbness.
Another important point is Zhongdu GB-32 on the Gall Bladder Channel, which helps expel Wind, Dampness, and Cold, and is effective in alleviating channel obstructions. These acupoints illustrate TCM's targeted approach, using specific locations on the body to harmonize internal imbalances that manifest as skin numbness.
Explore below some acupoints used to address skin numbness, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Stomach Channel
- Gall Bladder Channel
Futu ST-32
6 cun superior to the upper-lateral border of the patella, on the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and upper lateral border of the patella.
