Limb Twitching in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different limb twitching patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Condition Categories

Muscle Spasms and Twitching Limbs disorders and Symptoms
4
TCM Patterns
3
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 4 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each limb twitching pattern
Classical remedies 3 herbal formulas documented

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets limb twitching as a manifestation of internal disharmony, often related to the flow of Qi and Blood within the body. According to TCM, such involuntary movements may arise from imbalances like Wind invasion, Heat, Yin Deficiency, or Yang Excess, disrupting the smooth flow of energy and Blood.

Recognizing the specific pattern behind the symptoms is essential in TCM, guiding a targeted treatment approach that seeks to restore balance and alleviate the twitching.

TCM Patterns for Limb Twitching

Wind

Causes: Twitching of limbs, Twitching in the extremities

3 variations documented
Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior
How it presents with limb twitching

Twitching of limbs

Along with: Low grade fever, Hand tremor, Weight loss, Flushed cheekbones, Apathy, Limb twitching

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat victorious stirring Wind
How it presents with limb twitching

Twitching of limbs

Along with: High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it presents with limb twitching

Twitching in the extremities

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yin Deficiency

Causes: Twitching of limbs

1 variation documented
Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior
How it presents with limb twitching

Twitching of limbs

Along with: Low grade fever, Hand tremor, Weight loss, Flushed cheekbones, Apathy, Limb twitching

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Excess

Causes: Twitching in the extremities

1 variation documented
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it presents with limb twitching

Twitching in the extremities

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Heat

Causes: Twitching of limbs

1 variation documented
Heat victorious stirring Wind
How it presents with limb twitching

Twitching of limbs

Along with: High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Limb Twitching

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address limb twitching

Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang

Addresses these limb twitching patterns:

Wind Yin Deficiency

Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang

Addresses these limb twitching patterns:

Wind Heat

Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

Addresses these limb twitching patterns:

Wind Yang Excess