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: Convulsions
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
Causes: Convulsions
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
Causes: Convulsions
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
Feng Yin Tang
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Extinguishes and pacifies Wind with heavy medicinals
- Calms the Mind
- Clears Heat
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...
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Cools the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Increases Fluids
- Relaxes the sinews
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
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Calms the Liver
- Extinguishes wind
- Invigorates the blood
- Clears heat
- Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys
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
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
- Improves vision
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...
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin
- Nourishes Blood
- Calms the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
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...
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Pacifies the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Nourishes the Yin
- Anchors the 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...
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the yin and nourishes the Kidneys
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
- Clears the Nutritive level Heat
- Relieves Fire Toxin
- Removes Heat
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Convulsions Pattern Variations
Heat in Pericardium
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities
Bu Gan Tang
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and regulates the Blood
- Nourishes the Liver Yin
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
- Clears Heat
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Resolves toxicity
- Transforms 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
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these convulsions patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
Addresses These Convulsions Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Convulsions
Accompanying symptoms:
Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...