Hand Tremor in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different hand tremor patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Hand tremor, a common neurological condition, manifests as involuntary, rhythmic shaking of the hands. It is often most noticeable when performing actions like writing or holding objects.
Synonyms for hand tremor include fine tremor, hand shaking, shaking hands, trembling hands, tremor of limbs, hand shivering, and several others indicating a condition where the hands uncontrollably shake or tremble.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hand tremor is viewed through the lens of internal disharmony and imbalance. TCM posits that such symptoms arise when the body's natural balance of Yin and Yang is disrupted.
Specifically, hand tremor is often associated with disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) or Blood, and may be linked to underlying Deficiencies or excesses in specific organ systems. TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the root cause of the imbalance to effectively treat the symptom.
TCM Patterns for Hand Tremor
Wind
Causes: Fine tremor, Tremor of limbs
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Fine tremor
Along with: Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation
Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior
Tremor of limbs
Along with: Low grade fever, Hand tremor, Weight loss, Flushed cheekbones, Apathy, Limb twitching
Interior Wind
Tremor of limbs
Along with: Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation, Eye deviation, Tremors, Headaches, Limb numbness
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Tremor of limbs
Along with: High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Fine tremor
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Fine tremor
Along with: Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation
Yin Deficiency
Causes: Tremor of limbs
Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior
Tremor of limbs
Along with: Low grade fever, Hand tremor, Weight loss, Flushed cheekbones, Apathy, Limb twitching
Heat
Causes: Tremor of limbs
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Tremor of limbs
Along with: High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Herbal Formulas for Hand Tremor
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address hand tremor
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
Addresses these hand tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin
- Nourishes Blood
- Calms the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
Addresses These Hand Tremor Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Fine tremor
Accompanying symptoms:
Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory...
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Bu Gan Tang
Addresses these hand tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and regulates the Blood
- Nourishes the Liver Yin
Addresses These Hand Tremor Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Fine tremor
Accompanying symptoms:
Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory...
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these hand tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
Addresses These Hand Tremor Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Fine tremor
Accompanying symptoms:
Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory...
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Addresses these hand tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Pacifies the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Nourishes the Yin
- Anchors the Yang
Addresses These Hand Tremor Pattern Variations
Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Low grade fever, Hand tremor, Weight loss, Flushed cheekbones, Apathy, Limb twitching
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Addresses these hand tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Calms the Liver
- Extinguishes wind
- Invigorates the blood
- Clears heat
- Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys
Addresses These Hand Tremor Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Addresses these hand tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Cools the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Increases Fluids
- Relaxes the sinews
Addresses These Hand Tremor Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Feng Yin Tang
Addresses these hand tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Extinguishes and pacifies Wind with heavy medicinals
- Calms the Mind
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Hand Tremor Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Addresses these hand tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
- Improves vision
Addresses These Hand Tremor Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...