Lower Leg Numbnessaccording to TCM

What is Lower Leg Numbness?

Lower leg numbness encompasses a range of sensations from a decrease in sensitivity to a complete lack of feeling in the lower legs. This condition can be indicative of various health issues, from nerve damage to systemic diseases.

It can significantly affect mobility, increasing the risk of falls and injuries due to the diminished ability to sense changes in terrain or detect harmful stimuli. Addressing the underlying causes of lower leg numbness is crucial for restoring sensation and preventing further complications.

How Does TCM View Lower Leg Numbness?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lower leg numbness is viewed as a manifestation of an imbalance within the body's Qi (energy) flow, Blood circulation, or both. According to TCM principles, numbness often results from a Deficiency or Stagnation that prevents the limbs from receiving adequate nourishment or Qi flow.

External factors such as exposure to cold or damp environments may also contribute by invading the body and blocking the meridians, the pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate. TCM treatment focuses on identifying and correcting the specific imbalances causing numbness, aiming to enhance Qi flow and blood circulation to the affected areas.

Acupoints for Lower Leg Numbness

TCM suggests several acupoints along the Stomach Channel that are beneficial for alleviating lower leg numbness by improving Qi and Blood flow. One such point is Dubi ST-35, located below the patella and lateral to the patellar ligament. This point is targeted to remove obstructions from the channel, expel Cold-Damp, and ease swelling, making it an essential acupoint for treating numbness in the lower legs.

Another significant point is Liangqiu ST-34, which is found two cun above the upper-lateral border of the patella. Activating Liangqiu ST-34 helps to subdue Rebellious Stomach Qi, remove channel obstructions, and expel Wind-Damp. By focusing on these acupoints, TCM aims to restore the smooth flow of Qi and blood, thereby reducing numbness and improving the overall health of the lower legs.

Explore below some acupoints used to address lower leg numbness, organized by meridian.

Liangqiu ST-34

2 cun above the upper-lateral border of the patella, on a line between the upper lateral patellar border and the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).

Dubi ST-35

In the depression below the patella and lateral to the patellar ligament.