Limb Tremor in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different limb tremor patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Limb tremor refers to involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions leading to shaking movements in one or more parts of the body, typically the arms and legs. This symptom can manifest in various forms, from mild to severe, and can be noticed in actions like reaching or holding objects. Synonyms for limb tremor include shaking of limbs, trembling of limbs, and tremor of limbs, emphasizing the uncontrolled nature of these movements.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets limb tremor through a holistic approach, viewing it as a manifestation of underlying imbalances in the body's fundamental elements.
According to TCM, tremors are often the result of disharmony within the body's Qi (vital energy), blood, yin, and yang. The key in TCM is to identify the specific pattern of disharmony, which could range from internal wind disturbances to deficiencies in vital substances, allowing for a targeted treatment approach.
TCM Patterns for Limb Tremor
Wind
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
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
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 Limb Tremor
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address limb tremor
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Addresses these limb tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Pacifies the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Nourishes the Yin
- Anchors the Yang
Addresses These Limb 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 limb tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Calms the Liver
- Extinguishes wind
- Invigorates the blood
- Clears heat
- Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys
Addresses These Limb 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 limb tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Cools the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Increases Fluids
- Relaxes the sinews
Addresses These Limb 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 limb tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Extinguishes and pacifies Wind with heavy medicinals
- Calms the Mind
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Limb 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 limb tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
- Improves vision
Addresses These Limb Tremor Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
Addresses these limb tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin
- Nourishes Blood
- Calms the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
Addresses These Limb Tremor Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Bu Gan Tang
Addresses these limb tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and regulates the Blood
- Nourishes the Liver Yin
Addresses These Limb Tremor Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these limb tremor patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
Addresses These Limb Tremor Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Tremor of limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder...