Convulsions in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different convulsions patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Condition Categories

Seizure and Epileptic Disorders
3
TCM Patterns
11
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 3 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each convulsions pattern
Classical remedies 11 herbal formulas documented
Related conditions

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

4 variations documented
Onset Sudden
Location Often upper body/exterior
Features Rapid onset • Moving/migrating symptoms • Itching • Symptoms change location

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
How it presents with convulsions

Convulsions

Along with: High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Eyeballs turning up,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Interior Wind
How it presents with convulsions

Convulsions

Along with: Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation,

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
How it presents with convulsions

Convulsions

Along with: High fever, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it presents with convulsions

Convulsions

Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension,

Heat

Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes

Causes: Convulsions

3 variations documented
Onset Can be sudden
Location Can be local or systemic
Features Red face/eyes • Thirst for cold drinks • Restlessness • Yellow/dark secretions

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
How it presents with convulsions

Convulsions

Along with: Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat victorious stirring Wind
How it presents with convulsions

Convulsions

Along with: High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Eyeballs turning up,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
How it presents with convulsions

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

1 variation documented
Onset Can be sudden
Location Systemic
Features True excess heat • Strong constitution • Full/forceful presentation • Red complexion

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
How it presents with convulsions

Convulsions

Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension,

Herbal Formulas for Convulsions

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address convulsions

Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang

Addresses these convulsions patterns:

Wind Heat

E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang

Addresses these convulsions patterns:

Wind Yang Excess

Feng Yin Tang

Addresses these convulsions patterns:

Wind Heat Yang Excess

Qi Ju Di Huang Wan

Addresses these convulsions patterns:

Wind Yang Excess

Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

Addresses these convulsions patterns:

Wind Heat

Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang

Addresses these convulsions patterns:

Wind Yang Excess

Bu Gan Tang

Addresses these convulsions patterns:

Wind

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

Addresses these convulsions patterns:

Wind Yang Excess

Qing Ying Tang

Addresses these convulsions patterns:

Heat