Muscle Spasmaccording to TCM

What is Muscle Spasm?

Muscle spasm, also known as spasmodic movement or tetanic contractions, refers to sudden and involuntary muscle contractions that can cause discomfort and limited mobility. This condition can manifest in various forms, including extremity spasms, hand spasms, or spasms of specific muscles like the gastrocnemius or masseter.

Individuals experiencing muscle spasms may feel tightness, cramping, or a sensation of knots in the affected muscles, often resulting from overuse, dehydration, or underlying medical conditions.

How Does TCM View Muscle Spasm?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), muscle spasm is perceived as a disruption in the body's flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood circulation, leading to Stagnation and disharmony within the Channels. TCM practitioners attribute muscle spasms to patterns of disharmony such as Qi and Blood Stagnation, as well as external factors like Summer Heat invading the body.

Rather than solely addressing symptoms, TCM focuses on identifying the root cause of muscle spasms, which can vary among individuals based on their unique constitution and health status.

Root Causes of Muscle Spasm in TCM

TCM identifies various patterns of disharmony that may contribute to muscle spasms. One common cause is Summer Heat invading the Lesser Yin and Terminal Yin warps, characterized by symptoms such as muscle spasms, thirst, and restlessness.

Another cause is Qi Deficiency, which may lead to insufficient nourishment and support for the muscles, resulting in spasmodic movement. Treatment in TCM aims to address these underlying imbalances through herbal remedies and acupuncture, tailored to each individual's specific pattern of disharmony.

Explore below more details about what might cause Muscle spasm according to TCM.

Yang Excess

Yang Excess in TCM refers to a state where there is an overabundance of Yang energy, leading to symptoms of heat and hyperactivity in the body. This pattern of disharmony often arises from factors like stress, excessive physical activity, overconsumption of spicy or heating foods, or an internal imbalance that causes Yang to flare up. Symptoms of Yang Excess include a feeling of heat, red face, irritability, restlessness, thirst, constipation, and a rapid, forceful pulse. Treatment in TCM for Yang Excess aims to cool down and subdue the excessive Yang while nurturing Yin energy to restore balance.... see more

Yang Excess Patterns That Can Lead to Muscle Spasm

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising	Spasms in the extremities, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more	Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

Summer Heat

"Summer-Heat" in TCM is a unique concept that refers to a pattern of disharmony often associated with the hot summer months. Imagine the intense heat of summer stressing your body, like being in a sweltering, humid environment for too long. This can lead to symptoms like feeling overheated, excessive sweating, a feeling of irritation, and sometimes even nausea or dizziness. In TCM, this condition is thought to arise from the external environment's heat affecting the body's internal balance. It's similar to how we might feel uncomfortable and out of sorts on a very hot day. ... see more

Summer Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Muscle Spasm

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Summer-Heat entering the Lesser Yin and Terminal Yin warps	muscle spasms, Wasting, Thirst, Cardiac burning sensation, Irritability, Restlessness, Paralysis, Loss of consciousness, Abnormal behavior, Muscle numbness, Muscle spasm... see more	Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang

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 Muscle Spasm

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising	Spasms in the extremities, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more	Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Muscle Spasm

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising	Spasms in the extremities, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more	Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

TCM Herbal Formulas for Muscle Spasm

For Summer Heat patterns causing muscle spasms, TCM formulas like Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang are recommended. These formulas help dispel Summer Heat and preserve body fluids, utilizing herbs such as Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) to clear Heat and dry Dampness.

Treatment selection in TCM is based on individual assessment and pattern differentiation, highlighting the personalized approach of traditional Chinese medicine.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address muscle spasm, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Yang Excess:
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

Suitable for Yang Excess patterns that may cause muscle spasm, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

Learn more

Top Formula for Summer Heat:
Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang

Suitable for Summer Heat patterns that may cause muscle spasm, such as Summer-Heat entering the Lesser Yin and Terminal Yin warps

Learn more

Top Formula for Wind:
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause muscle spasm, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

Learn more

Acupoints for Muscle Spasm

Explore below some acupoints used to address muscle spasm, organized by meridian.

Jinsuo DU-8

On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).

Shenzhu DU-12

On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 3th thoracic vertebra (T3).

Qiangjian DU-18

On the posterior midline, 1.5 cun above Naohu DU-17, midway between Fengfu DU-16 and Baihui DU-20.

Qianding DU-21

On the midline, 1.5 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20 or 3.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline.

Qimai TB-18

In the center of the mastoid process, at the junction of the middle and lower third of the curve formed by Yifeng TB-17 and Jiaosun TB-20 posterior to the helix.

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.

Lingdao HE-4

On the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris, 1.5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist when the palm faces upward.

Shenmen HE-7

On the transverse crease of the wrist, in the articular region between the pisiform bone and the ulna, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.

Wushu GB-27

In the lateral side of the abdomen, in the front of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), 3 cun below the level of the umbilicus.

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.

Baxie EX-UE-9

This is a group of 8 points in both hand, 4 points per each hand. Slightly proximal to the margins of the webs between the fingers, on the border of the red and white skin.