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Symptom family: Tic Disorders
Sub-symptom(s): Facial Tic
Tic disorder encompasses a range of conditions characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements or vocalizations. These tics are sudden and brief, often resembling normal movements that have been taken out of context and exaggerated. Subtypes of tic disorders can manifest as facial tics, including rapid blinking or grimacing. While tics can sometimes be suppressed temporarily, they are typically not under the person's voluntary control and may worsen with stress or excitement.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets tic disorders as a disruption in the natural flow of Qi and Blood, often caused by internal imbalances or external pathogenic factors.
TCM emphasizes the significance of identifying the specific disharmony within the body's energetic system, such as Liver Wind or Yin Deficiency, to effectively address the involuntary movements associated with tic disorders. By focusing on the root cause, TCM aims to harmonize the body’s energies and alleviate the symptoms.
Interior Wind, particularly arising within the Liver, can lead to sudden spasmodic movements — a hallmark of tics. This Wind often stirs up due to extreme emotions or systemic imbalance.
Yin Deficiency, notably within the Liver and Kidney, can unsettle the body's balance, manifesting in symptoms that may include tics or tremors. Treatments in TCM aim to calm the Internal Wind and nourish Yin to reduce the frequency and intensity of tics.
Explore below more details about what might cause Tic disorder according to TCM.
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
Common Symptoms: Dizziness Convulsions Coma Headaches Limb Numbness Poor Memory Insomnia Dry Throat
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Interior Wind | Tics, Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation, 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 |
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat | Tics, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency | Facial tic, Fine tremor, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang |
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising | Facial tic, Tremors, 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 | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Tics, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency | Facial tic, Fine tremor, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising | Facial tic, Tremors, 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 | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat | Tics, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
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
Common Symptoms: Dizziness Insomnia Limb Numbness Tingling Of Limbs Blurry Vision Dry Throat Hypertension Headaches
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat | Tics, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Tics, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin |
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency | Facial tic, Fine tremor, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang |
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising | Facial tic, Tremors, 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 | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Tics, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin |
In managing tic disorders, TCM utilizes specific formulas designed to address the underlying patterns contributing to the condition. Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, with Gastrodia Rhizomes, is frequently used to pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop tremors, which are often associated with tic disorders.
Similarly, Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, incorporating Saiga antelope's horns, is another formula traditionally employed to extinguish Internal Wind. These herbal preparations are carefully selected to restore inner harmony and mitigate the involuntary movements characteristic of tic disorders.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address tic disorder, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause tic disorder, such as Interior Wind or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more |
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
Bu Gan Tang | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
Si Wu Tang | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more |
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause tic disorder, such as Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
Zuo Gui Yin | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause tic disorder, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
Bu Gan Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
Si Wu Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
Suitable for Yang Excess patterns that may cause tic disorder, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause tic disorder, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
These formulas are suitable for some tic disorder-causing patterns like Interior Wind or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang, with donkey-hide gelatin as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more |
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
These formulas are suitable for some tic disorder-causing patterns like Interior Wind or Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency.
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.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more |
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more |
Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
Zuo Gui Yin | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some tic disorder-causing patterns like Interior Wind or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency.
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.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Bu Gan Tang | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
Si Wu Tang | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang | Not applicable |
These formulas are suitable for some tic disorder-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.
One such formula is Feng Yin Tang, with dragon bones as a key herb.
Tic disorder can be treated by these formulas if it results from cold obstructing the meridians, leading to pain or stiffness, requiring warming and dispersing actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Explore below some acupoints used to address tic disorder, organized by meridian.
Directly below the outer canthus, in the depression on the lower border of zygoma.
In the nasolabrial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of ala nasi.
On the medial extremity of the eyebrow, or on the supraorbital notch.