Upper Arm Numbnessaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Arms disorders and Symptoms
Parent symptom: Arm Numbness
Did you mean? Upper Arm Muscle Atrophy
What is Upper Arm Numbness?
Upper arm numbness, also known as arm paresthesia, loss of sensation in the upper arm, or upper arm tingling, refers to a partial or complete loss of sensation in the upper part of the arm. This condition can result from nerve compression, poor circulation, or medical conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis. Symptoms range from mild tingling to complete numbness, affecting daily activities. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to address the underlying causes and alleviate symptoms effectively.
How Does TCM View Upper Arm Numbness?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), upper arm numbness is viewed through patterns of disharmony within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which focuses on specific physical causes, TCM considers imbalances in Qi, Blood, and other vital substances. Common patterns causing upper arm numbness include Qi And Blood Stagnation, Wind-Damp Obstruction, and Phlegm accumulation. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial before treatment, as TCM aims to restore balance and promote overall health by addressing these underlying imbalances.
Acupoints for Upper Arm Numbness
In TCM, specific acupoints treat upper arm numbness by addressing underlying patterns. In the Large Intestine Channel, Binao LI-14, located on the radial side of the humerus, helps remove obstructions and resolve Phlegm. Shouwuli LI-13, located above the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, removes obstructions, regulates Qi, and resolves Dampness and Phlegm.
Zhouliao LI-12, near the lateral end of the cubital crease, also helps remove obstructions. In the Bladder Channel, Fufen BL-41, located lateral to the lower border of the 2nd thoracic vertebra, eases pain and expels Wind-Cold. Stimulating these acupoints enhances circulation, clears blockages, and restores the proper flow of Qi and Blood.
Explore below some acupoints used to address upper arm numbness, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Large Intestine Channel
- Bladder Channel
Zhouliao LI-12
When the elbow is flexed, Zhouliao LI-12 is on the anterior border of the humerus, 1 cun proximal to Quchi LI-11 on the lateral end of the cubital crease.
Shouwuli LI-13
Superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, 3 cun above Quchi LI-11, on the line connecting Quchi LI-11 and Jianyu LI-15.
Binao LI-14
On the radial side of the humerus, superior to the lower end of deltoid muscle, on the line connecting Quchi LI-11 and Jianyu LI-15, 7 cun proximal to Quchi LI-11.
Fufen BL-41
3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2).