Tinglingaccording to TCM
*redirected from Paresthesia
Symptom family: General Body Pain and Discomfort
Sub-symptom(s): Tingling Of Limbs
What is Tingling?
Tingling, medically known as paresthesia, is a sensation of prickling, stinging, or pins and needles typically felt in the limbs. This sensation can range from mildly irritating to quite painful and is often transient, though it can persist in some cases. Tingling is commonly experienced in the arms and legs and can be associated with various conditions such as nerve compression, circulatory issues, or systemic diseases.
How Does TCM View Tingling?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tingling is seen as a symptom resulting from various patterns of disharmony within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which might attribute tingling to nerve issues or poor circulation, TCM looks at the broader picture of bodily imbalance. Identifying the correct pattern of disharmony is crucial before treatment can be effectively administered, as the underlying causes can vary significantly.
Root Causes of Tingling in TCM
TCM identifies several patterns that can cause tingling. One common cause is Blood Deficiency, where insufficient Blood supply fails to nourish the limbs adequately, leading to sensations of tingling. This pattern often presents with symptoms like general weakness, fatigue, palpitations, and dizziness.
Another significant pattern is Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat. This condition is characterized by high fever, convulsions, stiff neck, and hand tremors, alongside the tingling sensation. These patterns highlight how internal imbalances in TCM can manifest as tingling, requiring specific treatments to restore harmony.
Explore below more details about what might cause Tingling according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Blood Deficiency
- Wind
- Yin Deficiency
- View More Causes
Blood Deficiency
Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more
Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Tingling
Common Symptoms: Dizziness Insomnia Limb Numbness Scanty Menstruation Blurry Vision Amenorrhea Poor Memory Dry Hair
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi and Blood Deficiency | Tingling, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Gui Pi Tang |
| Blood Deficiency | Tingling, Tingling of limbs, Dizziness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory, Insomnia... see more | Si Wu Tang | Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang | Ren Shen Zi Xie Tang |
| Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Palpitations, Dizziness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Poor memory, Anxiety, Easily startled, Dull pale complexion, Pale lips, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Night blindness, Limb numbness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Muscle cramps, Muscle weakness, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Withered and brittle nails... see more | Gui Pi Tang | Sheng Yu Tang | Zhen Zhu Mu Wan | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
| Liver Blood Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Blurry vision, Dull pale complexion, Scanty menstruation, Limb numbness, Pale lips, Muscle weakness, Dizziness, Insomnia, Eye floaters, Night blindness, Amenorrhea, Withered and brittle nails, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Vivid dreaming... see more | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang | Suan Zao Ren Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Tingling
The treatment of tingling in TCM depends on the identified pattern of disharmony. For Qi and Blood Deficiency, formulas like Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang, featuring Ginseng (Ren Shen), are recommended to tonify both Qi and Blood. Another effective formula is Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, which includes Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) to strengthen Qi and nourish Blood.
For cases involving Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat, Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, with Gastrodia Rhizomes (Tian Ma), is often used to pacify internal Wind and alleviate tremors. Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, with Saiga antelope's horns (Ling Yang Jiao), is another recommended formula to calm internal Wind and reduce Heat. These formulas aim to address the specific type of disharmony causing the tingling, thus providing effective relief.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address tingling, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Deficiency
- Wind
- Yin Deficiency
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Si Wu Tang
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause tingling, such as Blood Deficiency or Liver Blood Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Tingling Caused by Blood Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Si Wu Tang | Blood Deficiency, Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency... see more |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency, Liver Blood Deficiency |
| Bu Gan Tang | Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency... see more |
| Gui Pi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency, Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency |
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver 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 |
| Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang | Blood Deficiency |
| Ren Shen Zi Xie Tang | Blood Deficiency |
| Sheng Yu Tang | Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Zhen Zhu Mu Wan | Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Liver Blood Deficiency |
TCM Herbs for Tingling
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address tingling, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Tingling can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tingling, like Bu Gan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for tingling
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang | Zuo Gui Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan |
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Bu Gan Tang | Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Si Wu Tang |
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang | Sheng Yu Tang |
| Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |