Convulsions in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different convulsions patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Convulsions, also known as fits, are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that can cause the body to shake uncontrollably. These episodes can vary from brief tremors to prolonged and repetitive jerking.
Convulsions are often symptomatic of an underlying neurological condition and can be classified into chronic, acute, or clonic seizures based on their duration and intensity.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, convulsions are symptomatic of deeper imbalances, referred to as 'patterns.' Understanding these patterns is crucial as they guide the TCM practitioner to tailor treatments that address the root disharmonies, whether it's an invasion of Wind, or a Excess of Heat
Identifying the right pattern is essential for restoring the individual's energetic equilibrium, ensuring a treatment that is specific to their unique condition.
TCM Patterns for Convulsions
Wind
Causes sudden symptoms, movement disorders, and serves as the vehicle for other pathogens
Causes: Convulsions
Wind is the predominant pathogenic factor of spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is considered the leader of the six external pathogens. Wind is described as "the leader of the hundred diseases" (百病之长), serving as the primary factor in external pathogenic invasions. Wind represents a pathogen characterized by constant movement, changeability, and a tendency to affect the upper and outer portions of the body.
Heat victorious stirring Wind
Convulsions
Along with: High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Eyeballs turning up, Clenching of teeth
Interior Wind
Convulsions
Along with: Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation, Eye deviation, Tremors, Headaches, Limb numbness
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Convulsions
Along with: High fever, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Convulsions
Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats
Heat
Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes
Causes: Convulsions
Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.
Heat in Pericardium
Convulsions
Along with: Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities
Heat victorious stirring Wind
Convulsions
Along with: High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Eyeballs turning up, Clenching of teeth
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Convulsions
Along with: High fever, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Yang Excess
Excessive yang energy that generates heat, agitation, and hyperactivity throughout the body systems
Causes: Convulsions
Yang Excess represents pathological hyperactivity of the body's yang qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It manifests as excessive heat, inflammation, and overstimulation that disrupts the normal balance between yin and yang, causing various acute and intense symptoms.
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Convulsions
Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats
Herbal Formulas for Convulsions
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address convulsions
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Cools the Liver and extinguishes Wind
- Softens and Relaxes the Sinews
- Settles Fright and Calms Convulsions
- Clears Heat and Transforms Phlegm
- Calms the Spirit
Addresses These Convulsions Pattern Variations
Heat victorious stirring Wind
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Eyeballs turning up...
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin and Blood
- Softens the Liver and extinguishes Wind
- Subdues Floating Yang
- Calms the Spirit
Addresses These Convulsions Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension...
Feng Yin Tang
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and extinguishes Wind
- Subdues Floating Yang
- Settles Fright and Calms Convulsions
- Guides Wind-Fire downward
- Secures Essence and Stops Leakage
Addresses These Convulsions Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension...
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin
- Brightens the Eyes
- Clears Liver Heat
- Tonifies Kidney Essence
- Calms the Liver and Subdues Yang
Addresses These Convulsions Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension...
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Calms the Liver and Extinguishes Wind
- Calms the Liver and Subdues Yang
- Clears Heat and Drains Fire
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Supplements the Liver and Kidneys
- Calms the Spirit and Relieves Restlessness
Addresses These Convulsions Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Calms the Liver and Extinguishes Wind
- Subdues Floating Yang
- Nourishes Yin
- Anchors and Calms the Spirit
- Directs Blood and Qi downward
- Clears Liver Heat
Addresses These Convulsions Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension...
Bu Gan Tang
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Liver Blood
- Softens and Relaxes the Sinews
- Brightens the Eyes
- Nourishes Yin and Generates Fluids
- Calms the Spirit
Addresses These Convulsions Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
- Supplements Liver and Spleen Yin
- Benefits Essence and Fills the Marrow
- Clears Deficiency Heat
- Drains Dampness and Resolves Turbidity
Addresses These Convulsions Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension...
Qing Ying Tang
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Cools the Nutritive Level
- Resolves Heat Toxins
- Vents Pathogenic Heat Outward
- Nourishes Yin
- Generates Fluids
- Cools the Blood
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
Addresses These Convulsions Pattern Variations
Heat in Pericardium
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood
- Nourishes Blood and Alleviates Pain
- Regulates menstruation
Addresses These Convulsions Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Zhi Bao Dan
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Opens the Orifices and Revives Consciousness
- Transforms Turbidity
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
- Calms the Spirit and Relieves Restlessness
- Expels Phlegm
Addresses These Convulsions Pattern Variations
Heat in Pericardium
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities