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Symptom families: Tremors, Hand Issues
Did you mean? Hand Spasm
Hand tremor, a common neurological condition, manifests as involuntary, rhythmic shaking of the hands. It is often most noticeable when performing actions like writing or holding objects.
Synonyms for hand tremor include fine tremor, hand shaking, shaking hands, trembling hands, tremor of limbs, hand shivering, and several others indicating a condition where the hands uncontrollably shake or tremble.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hand tremor is viewed through the lens of internal disharmony and imbalance. TCM posits that such symptoms arise when the body's natural balance of Yin and Yang is disrupted.
Specifically, hand tremor is often associated with disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) or Blood, and may be linked to underlying Deficiencies or excesses in specific organ systems. TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the root cause of the imbalance to effectively treat the symptom.
TCM identifies several patterns that may lead to hand tremor, focusing on the underlying disharmonies within the body. One significant pattern is Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency. This condition is characterized by fine tremors, facial tics, dizziness, blurry vision, limb numbness, tingling of limbs, poor memory, insomnia, and scanty menstruation.
Another pattern, Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior, presents symptoms like tremor of limbs, low-grade fever, hand tremor, weight loss, flushed cheekbones, lethargy, and limb twitching. These patterns highlight the connection between internal organ systems and physical manifestations like hand tremor in TCM.
Explore below more details about what might cause Hand tremor 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 Blurry Vision Limb Numbness Poor Memory Insomnia Scanty Menstruation Headaches Dry Throat
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
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 |
Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior | Tremor of limbs, Low grade fever, Hand tremor, Weight loss, Flushed cheekbones, Low energy, Limb twitching... see more | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang |
Interior Wind | Tremor of limbs, Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation, Eye deviation, Tremors, Headaches, Limb numbness... see more | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan |
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat | Tremor of limbs, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
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 | 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 |
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 |
---|---|---|
Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior | Tremor of limbs, Low grade fever, Hand tremor, Weight loss, Flushed cheekbones, Low energy, Limb twitching... see more | Zhen Gan Xi Feng 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 | Tremor of limbs, 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 Facial Tic Blurry Vision Limb Numbness Tingling Of Limbs Poor Memory Insomnia Scanty Menstruation
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
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 |
Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior | Tremor of limbs, Low grade fever, Hand tremor, Weight loss, Flushed cheekbones, Low energy, Limb twitching... see more | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang |
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat | Tremor of limbs, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng 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 |
---|---|---|
Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior | Tremor of limbs, Low grade fever, Hand tremor, Weight loss, Flushed cheekbones, Low energy, Limb twitching... see more | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang |
To treat hand tremor, TCM practitioners may recommend specific formulas and herbs tailored to the patient's unique pattern of disharmony. For Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, the formula E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang, which includes Donkey-hide gelatin (E Jiao), is often used. This formula targets the root cause by invigorating the Blood and calming internal Wind.
For Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior, Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang, with key herbs like Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi), is recommended. This formula aims to pacify internal wind and invigorate the blood, addressing the underlying imbalances leading to hand tremor.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hand tremor, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause hand tremor, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency or Interior Wind
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Interior Wind |
Bu Gan Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Interior Wind |
Si Wu Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Interior Wind |
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior, Interior Wind |
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 |
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind |
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind |
Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause hand tremor, 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 Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause hand tremor, such as Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior
Learn moreSuitable for Heat patterns that may cause hand tremor, 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 hand tremor-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency or Interior Wind.
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 | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Interior Wind |
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior, Interior Wind |
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 |
These formulas are suitable for some hand tremor-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency or Interior Wind.
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 | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Interior Wind |
Si Wu Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Interior Wind |
These formulas are suitable for some hand tremor-causing patterns like Interior Wind.
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 |
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Interior Wind |
These formulas are suitable for some hand tremor-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat.
One such formula is Feng Yin Tang, with dragon bones as a key herb.
TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a treatment modality for hand tremor. Key acupoints in the Triple Burner, Pericardium, and Heart channels are utilized. Waiguan TB-5, located on the dorsal wrist joint space, is used for expelling Wind-Heat and removing obstructions from the channel.
Quze P-3, on the transverse cubital crease, cools Blood and calms the Mind. Shenmen HE-7, located on the wrist crease, is another crucial point for calming the mind and nourishing Heart Blood. These acupoints are selected based on their ability to address the specific patterns of disharmony identified in the patient, providing a holistic approach to treating hand tremor.
Explore below some acupoints used to address hand tremor, organized by meridian.
2 cun above Yangchi TB-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, between the radius and ulna.
3 cun above Yangchi ST-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, between the radius and ulna.
On the transverse cubital crease, at the ulnar side of the tendon of biceps brachii muscle.
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.