Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
At a glance
Preliminary reading: What is a pattern? The Liver in Chinese Medicine The concept of Wind The concept of Heat
Key attributes
Chinese name: 肝风内动 - 热极生风 Pinyin name: Gān Fēng Nèi Dòng - Rè Jí Shēng Fēng
Pattern nature: Full/Empty
Causes
Precursor patterns: Wind-Heat
Common causes: External Wind and Heat
Diagnosis
Common symptoms: Convulsions Opisthotonos Tremor of limbs High temperature Rigidity of neck
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian), Full (Shi)
Tongue description: Deep red stiff tongue with dry yellow coating
Treatment
Treatment principle: Extinguish Wind, cool Blood and nourish Yin
Common formulas: Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Feng Yin Tang
Pathology
The most typical manifestation of Internal Wind is tremor, tic, numbness and tingling, dizziness, convulsions and paralysis.
Other symptoms are depends on the causes of this Internal Wind. When it is derived from extreme Heat, there are additional manifestation of high temperature.
The invasion of external Wind-Heat leads to this pattern. It then turns into Interior Heat and penetrates deep into the Blood according to the four levels theory.
Once the Heat is in the Blood, it can stir up the Wind, causing an Excess amount of Internal Wind. The underlying mechanic is that it injures the Yin (since Blood is Yin in nature) and the resulting Yin deficiency gives rise to Internal Wind.
It is more seen in children with febrile diseases such as measles, encephalitis and meningitis.
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Causes
Precursor patterns: Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat can derive from Wind-Heat
External Wind and Heat: During acute febrile diseases such as measles, encephalitis and meningitis, external Heat can invade and penetrate deeply into the Blood level and stir up the Wind. It is more common among children.
Diagnosing Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Diagnosing a pattern in Chinese Medicine is no easy feat and should be left to professional practitioners. In particular one has to know how to differentiate between different types of pulses and tongue coatings, shapes and colors as well as learn to read from a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), wiry (Xian) or full (Shi)
Tongue description: Deep red stiff tongue with dry yellow coating
Main symptoms: Convulsions Opisthotonos Tremor of limbs High temperature Rigidity of neck
Diagnosis commentary: Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the high temperature, convulsions, tremor of limbs and stiff neck.
Treating Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Treatment principle
Extinguish Wind, cool Blood and nourish Yin
Herbal formulas used to treat Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Source date: Qing dynasty
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Cools the Liver. Extinguishes Wind. Increases Fluids. Relaxes the sinews.
Formula summary
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang is a 10-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in Qing dynasty, it belongs to the category of formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind.
Besides Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat, Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang is also used to treat Liver Yang Rising or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire.
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Source date: 1958 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Key actions: Calms the Liver. Extinguishes wind. Invigorates the blood. Clears heat. Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys.
Formula summary
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is a 11-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 1958 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind.
Besides Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat, Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is also used to treat Liver Yang Rising or Interior Wind.
Feng Yin Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Key actions: Extinguishes and pacifies Wind with heavy medicinals. Calms the Mind. Clears Heat.
Formula summary
Feng Yin Tang is a 12-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind.
Besides Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat, Feng Yin Tang is also used to treat Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.
Diet recommendations
Better consume just very simple and bland foods during this period, such as rice cereal and soups. Fasting on fruit or vegetable juices can also be considered.
Avoid other types of food especially iced and refrigerated drinks, because these can create more Heat.
Get appropriate medical attention since it is an Excess and acute pattern. Bet resting is the most recommended.