Tremorsaccording to TCM
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Symptom family: Tremors
Sub-symptom(s): Fine Tremor Essential Tremor
What is Tremors?
Tremors refer to involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions leading to shaking movements in one or more parts of the body. They are commonly observed in the hands and can extend to the head, voice, arms, or legs.
Tremors are often a symptom of neurological disorders but can occur in otherwise healthy individuals. Known as fine tremor or essential tremor in more specific terms, these movements can vary in severity and frequency, affecting daily activities and quality of life.
How does TCM view Tremors?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives tremors as an indication of internal imbalance, primarily involving the body's vital energy or Qi, Blood, and the harmony between Yin and Yang.
TCM does not view tremors solely as a neurological issue but as a symptom arising from systemic disharmony. TCM practitioners focus on identifying and correcting the underlying patterns of imbalance, using a holistic approach to restore the body's natural equilibrium.
Root Causes of Tremors in TCM
In TCM, tremors are often attributed to two primary causes. The first involves the disturbance of Internal Wind, often due to Liver Blood Deficiency or Liver Fire. Symptoms accompanying this pattern include irritability, dizziness, headaches, and sometimes a flushed face.
The second common cause is Blood Stagnation, where the circulation of Blood is hindered, leading to symptoms like dark complexion, fixed stabbing pain, and menstrual irregularities. Understanding these patterns is crucial for TCM practitioners to provide effective treatment.
Explore below more details about what might cause Tremors according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Wind
- Blood Stasis
- Yang Excess
- View More Causes
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 Tremors
Common Symptoms: Dizziness Headaches Limb Numbness Poor Memory Insomnia Dry Throat Blurry Vision Vivid Dreaming
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Wind | Tremor, 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 | 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 Liver Fire | Tremor, Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood... see more | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Feng Yin Tang |
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising | Tremor, 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 | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan |
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency | Fine tremor, Facial tic, 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 |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Tremors
To address tremors, TCM suggests specific formulas based on the identified pattern. For treating Internal Wind due to Liver Blood Deficiency, E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang, which includes Donkey-Hide Gelatin, nourishes the Blood and calms the Wind. In cases of Liver Wind stirred by Liver Fire, Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, containing Saiga antelope's horns, pacifies Liver Wind and clears Heat.
For Blood Stagnation, Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with Peach Kernels, is used to invigorate Blood and dispel Stagnation. These formulas are tailored to address the root cause of tremors, aligning with the patient's unique pattern of disharmony.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address tremors, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Wind
- Blood Stasis
- Yang Excess
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Wind:
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause tremors, such as Interior Wind or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Tremors Caused by Wind
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency... see more |
| Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire |
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| 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 Liver Fire, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more |
| Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Interior Wind |
| Zi Xue Dan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
Acupoints for Tremors
TCM also incorporates acupuncture in treating tremors. Points like Shenmai BL-62, located below the lateral malleolus, and Danshu BL-19 near the thoracic vertebra, are used for their ability to regulate Qi and clear Wind.
Houxi SI-3 on the hand benefits the sinews and expels Wind, while Shenzhu DU-12 on the back calms the Mind and clears Lung Heat. These acupoints are selected based on their effectiveness in addressing the specific patterns causing tremors, providing a complementary approach to herbal treatments.
Explore below some acupoints used to address tremors, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
- Small Intestine Channel
- Governing Vessel
Danshu BL-19
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra (T10).
