Tingling Of Limbsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: General Body Pain and Discomfort
Parent symptom: Tingling
What is Tingling of Limbs?
Tingling of limbs refers to a sensation often described as pins and needles, prickling, or numbness affecting the arms or legs. This symptom can vary in intensity and duration, sometimes occurring briefly and at other times persisting for extended periods. It is often a sign of nerve irritation or poor circulation and can be associated with a wide range of medical conditions, including diabetes, nerve compression, or even multiple sclerosis. Recognizing the underlying cause of tingling is crucial for effective treatment and management.
How does TCM View Tingling of Limbs?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tingling of limbs is viewed through the concept of disharmony within the body's systems. TCM attributes this sensation to imbalances in Qi (vital energy), Blood, or Body Fluids. Unlike Western medicine, which might focus on specific physical causes, TCM considers a broader range of factors, including emotional and environmental influences.
Identifying the correct pattern of disharmony is essential in TCM, as it guides the treatment approach, ensuring that the root cause of the symptom is addressed rather than just alleviating the tingling itself.
Root Causes of Tingling Of Limbs in TCM
TCM identifies several patterns that can cause the sensation of tingling in the limbs. One common cause is Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency. This pattern manifests with symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, insomnia, vivid dreaming, poor memory, and a dull pale complexion, alongside the characteristic tingling.
Another pattern involves Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency. This condition is marked by symptoms such as fine tremors, facial tics, dizziness, blurry vision, and limb numbness. These patterns illustrate how internal imbalances, such as insufficient Blood nourishment and internal Wind, can disrupt the body's harmony, leading to tingling sensations.
Explore below more details about what might cause Tingling of limbs according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Blood Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency
- Wind
- Yang Excess
- View More Causes
- Liver
- Kidney
- Heart
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 Tingling Of Limbs
Common Symptoms: Dizziness Insomnia Blurry Vision Limb Numbness Scanty Menstruation Amenorrhea Poor Memory Pale Lips
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Palpitations, Dizziness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Poor memory, Anxiety, Easily startled, Dull pale complexion, Pale lips, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Night blindness, Limb numbness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Muscle cramps, Muscle weakness, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Withered and brittle nails... see more | Gui Pi Tang | Sheng Yu Tang | Zhen Zhu Mu Wan | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
| Liver Blood Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Blurry vision, Dull pale complexion, Scanty menstruation, Limb numbness, Pale lips, Muscle weakness, Dizziness, Insomnia, Eye floaters, Night blindness, Amenorrhea, Withered and brittle nails, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Vivid dreaming... see more | Suan Zao Ren Tang | Si Wu Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more | Si Wu Tang | Bu Gan Tang | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang |
| Blood Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Dizziness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory, Insomnia... see more | Si Wu Tang | Ren Shen Zi Xie Tang |
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 Tingling Of Limbs
Common Symptoms: Dizziness Insomnia Limb Numbness Dry Eyes Blurry Vision Dry Hair Skin Dryness Withered And Brittle Nails
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Zuo Gui Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qing Gu San | Yi Guan Jian |
| Liver Yin Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Dizziness, Limb numbness, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Dry eyes, Night blindness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull pale complexion, Flushed cheekbones, Muscle weakness, Muscle cramps, Withered and brittle nails, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Night sweats, Vivid dreaming, Afternoon fever, Hot palms and soles, Preference for sipping... see more | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Yi Guan Jian | Suan Zao Ren Tang | Bu Gan Tang |
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 Tingling Of Limbs
Common Symptoms: Facial Tic Dizziness Blurry Vision Limb Numbness Poor Memory Insomnia Headaches Hypertension
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more | Si Wu Tang | Bu Gan Tang | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang |
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising | Tingling of limbs, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
Yang Excess
Yang Excess in TCM refers to a state where there is an overabundance of Yang energy, leading to symptoms of heat and hyperactivity in the body. This pattern of disharmony often arises from factors like stress, excessive physical activity, overconsumption of spicy or heating foods, or an internal imbalance that causes Yang to flare up. Symptoms of Yang Excess include a feeling of heat, red face, irritability, restlessness, thirst, constipation, and a rapid, forceful pulse. Treatment in TCM for Yang Excess aims to cool down and subdue the excessive Yang while nurturing Yin energy to restore balance.... see more
Yang Excess Patterns That Can Lead to Tingling Of Limbs
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising | Tingling of limbs, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
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 Tingling Of Limbs
Common Symptoms: Dizziness Insomnia Limb Numbness Blurry Vision Scanty Menstruation Amenorrhea Dry Hair Skin Dryness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Zuo Gui Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qing Gu San | Yi Guan Jian |
| Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Palpitations, Dizziness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Poor memory, Anxiety, Easily startled, Dull pale complexion, Pale lips, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Night blindness, Limb numbness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Muscle cramps, Muscle weakness, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Withered and brittle nails... see more | Gui Pi Tang | Sheng Yu Tang | Zhen Zhu Mu Wan | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
| Liver Blood Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Blurry vision, Dull pale complexion, Scanty menstruation, Limb numbness, Pale lips, Muscle weakness, Dizziness, Insomnia, Eye floaters, Night blindness, Amenorrhea, Withered and brittle nails, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Vivid dreaming... see more | Suan Zao Ren Tang | Si Wu Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more | Si Wu Tang | Bu Gan Tang | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang |
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising | Tingling of limbs, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
| Liver Yin Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Dizziness, Limb numbness, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Dry eyes, Night blindness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull pale complexion, Flushed cheekbones, Muscle weakness, Muscle cramps, Withered and brittle nails, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Night sweats, Vivid dreaming, Afternoon fever, Hot palms and soles, Preference for sipping... see more | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Yi Guan Jian | Suan Zao Ren Tang | Bu Gan Tang |
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 Tingling Of Limbs
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Zuo Gui Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qing Gu San | Yi Guan Jian |
Heart
In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more
Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Tingling Of Limbs
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency | Tingling of limbs, Palpitations, Dizziness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Poor memory, Anxiety, Easily startled, Dull pale complexion, Pale lips, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Night blindness, Limb numbness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Muscle cramps, Muscle weakness, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Withered and brittle nails... see more | Gui Pi Tang | Sheng Yu Tang | Zhen Zhu Mu Wan | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Tingling Of Limbs
The treatment of tingling of limbs in TCM depends on the identified pattern of disharmony. For Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency, Gui Pi Tang, featuring Ginseng (Ren Shen), is commonly recommended to tonify Blood along with Qi. Sheng Yu Tang, with Dong quai (Dang Gui), is another effective formula that focuses on tonifying Blood.
For Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Si Wu Tang, with Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang), is often used to nourish the Blood and calm Internal Wind. Additionally, Bu Gan Tang, also with Prepared rehmannia, is recommended to support Blood tonification and Wind regulation. These formulas aim to restore balance by addressing the specific type of disharmony causing the tingling, thus providing effective relief.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address tingling of limbs, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency
- Wind
- Yang Excess
- View More Causes
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that sedate and calm the mind
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Si Wu Tang
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause tingling of limbs, such as Liver Blood Deficiency or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Tingling Of Limbs Caused by Blood Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Si Wu Tang | Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Blood Deficiency... see more |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency, Liver Blood Deficiency |
| Bu Gan Tang | Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency... see more |
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
| Gui Pi Tang | Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Sheng Yu Tang | Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Zhen Zhu Mu Wan | Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Liver Blood Deficiency |
| Ren Shen Zi Xie Tang | Blood Deficiency |
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause tingling of limbs, such as Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency or Liver Yin Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Tingling Of Limbs Caused by Yin Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Yi Guan Jian | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Bu Gan Tang | Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Qing Gu San | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
Top Formula for Wind:
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause tingling of limbs, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Tingling Of Limbs Caused by Wind
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more |
| Si Wu Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
| Bu Gan Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
Top Formula for Yang Excess:
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Yang Excess patterns that may cause tingling of limbs, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Tingling Of Limbs Caused by Yang Excess
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
Formulas that tonify Blood
These formulas are suitable for some tingling of limbs-causing patterns like Liver Blood Deficiency or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Si Wu Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for tingling of limbs
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Si Wu Tang | Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Blood Deficiency... see more |
| Bu Gan Tang | Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Yin Deficiency... see more |
| Sheng Yu Tang | Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency |
| Ren Shen Zi Xie Tang | Blood Deficiency |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some tingling of limbs-causing patterns like Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.
One such formula is Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for tingling of limbs
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, Liver Yin Deficiency... see more |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more |
| Yi Guan Jian | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
These formulas are suitable for some tingling of limbs-causing patterns like Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency or Liver Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Suan Zao Ren Tang, with jujube seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind
These formulas are suitable for some tingling of limbs-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.
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.
All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for tingling of limbs
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more |
| Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
These formulas are suitable for some tingling of limbs-causing patterns like Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qing Gu San, with stellaria root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
These formulas are suitable for some tingling of limbs-causing patterns like Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that sedate and calm the Mind
These formulas are suitable for some tingling of limbs-causing patterns like Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Zhen Zhu Mu Wan, with mother of pearl as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some tingling of limbs-causing patterns like Liver Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
These formulas are suitable for some tingling of limbs-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.
One such formula is Feng Yin Tang, with dragon bones as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Tingling Of Limbs
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address tingling of limbs, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Tingling of limbs can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tingling of limbs, like Zuo Gui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for tingling of limbs
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Zuo Gui Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Si Wu Tang | Bu Gan Tang |
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Si Wu Tang | Bu Gan Tang |
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Sheng Yu Tang |
| Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Tingling of limbs can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tingling of limbs, like Gui Pi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for tingling of limbs
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Gui Pi Tang | Ren Shen Zi Xie Tang |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Gui Pi Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Gui Pi Tang |
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Tingling of limbs can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.
One such herb is Dragon Bones (Long Gu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tingling of limbs, like Zhen Zhu Mu Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit" recommended for tingling of limbs
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dragon Bones (Long Gu) | Zhen Zhu Mu Wan | Feng Yin Tang |
| Mother Of Pearl (Zhen Zhu Mu) | Zhen Zhu Mu Wan |
| Oyster Shells (Mu Li ke) | Feng Yin Tang |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Tingling of limbs can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tingling of limbs, like E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for tingling of limbs
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao) | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang |
| Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi) | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Tingling of limbs can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Stellaria Roots (Yin Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tingling of limbs, like Qing Gu San.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Tingling of limbs can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tingling of limbs, like Suan Zao Ren Tang.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Tingling of limbs can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Chicken Egg Yolks (Ji Zi Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tingling of limbs, like E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Tingling of limbs can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tingling of limbs, like Feng Yin Tang.