Hand Tremoraccording to TCM

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Symptom families: Tremors, Hand Issues

Did you mean? Hand Spasm

What is Hand Tremor?

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.

How does TCM view Hand Tremor?

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.

Root Causes of Hand Tremor in TCM

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.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Liver
  • Kidney
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hand Tremor

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
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hand Tremor

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
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

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

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hand Tremor

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
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

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

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Hand Tremor

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
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hand Tremor

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
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

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

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Hand Tremor

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

TCM Herbal Formulas for Hand Tremor

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.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
  • Formulas that tonify blood
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind

All Formulas Recommended for Hand Tremor Caused by Wind

Formula 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

All Formulas Recommended for Hand Tremor Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula 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

All Formulas Recommended for Hand Tremor Caused by Heat

Formula 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

All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for hand tremor

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

All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for hand tremor

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

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for hand tremor

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Interior Wind
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Interior Wind

Acupoints for Hand Tremor

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.

  • By Meridian
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Pericardium Channel
  • Heart Channel
Waiguan TB-5

Waiguan TB-5

2 cun above Yangchi TB-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, between the radius and ulna.

Zhigou TB-6

Zhigou TB-6

3 cun above Yangchi ST-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, between the radius and ulna.

Quze P-3

Quze P-3

On the transverse cubital crease, at the ulnar side of the tendon of biceps brachii muscle.

Shenmen HE-7

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.