Paralysis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different paralysis patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Paralysis, a medical condition characterized by the inability to move one or more muscles, can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. It may affect various parts of the body, leading to symptoms such as arm paralysis, paralysis of the limbs, and lower limb paralysis.
This condition may result from various factors, including neurological issues, spinal cord injuries, or strokes, manifesting as either partial or complete loss of muscle function.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches paralysis through a holistic lens, emphasizing the disruption in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood within the body. TCM posits that paralysis results from underlying disharmonies and imbalances, such as the invasion of external pathogenic factors (Wind, Cold, Dampness) or internal conditions like Qi and Blood Stagnation.
Recognizing and addressing these specific patterns of disharmony is crucial for treatment, aiming to restore the flow of Qi and Blood, thus improving muscle function and movement.
TCM Patterns for Paralysis
Wind
Causes: Paralysis
Interior Wind
Paralysis
Along with: Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation, Eye deviation, Tremors, Headaches, Limb numbness
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Paralysis
Along with: High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Phlegm
Causes: Paralysis
Phlegm Misting the Heart
Paralysis
Along with: Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit
Mind Disturbance
Causes: Paralysis
Phlegm Misting the Heart
Paralysis
Along with: Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit
Heat
Causes: Paralysis
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Paralysis
Along with: High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Summer Heat
Causes: Paralysis
Summer-Heat entering the Lesser Yin and Terminal Yin warps
Paralysis
Along with: Wasting, Thirst, Cardiac burning sensation, Irritability, Restlessness, Loss of consciousness, Abnormal behavior, Muscle numbness, Muscle spasm
Herbal Formulas for Paralysis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address paralysis
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Addresses these paralysis patterns:
Main Actions
- Calms the Liver
- Extinguishes wind
- Invigorates the blood
- Clears heat
- Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys
Addresses These Paralysis Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these paralysis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Paralysis Pattern Variations
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Addresses these paralysis patterns:
Main Actions
- Cools the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Increases Fluids
- Relaxes the sinews
Addresses These Paralysis Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Di Tan Tang
Addresses these paralysis patterns:
Main Actions
- Removes Phlegm
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Tonifies Qi
Addresses These Paralysis Pattern Variations
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...
Feng Yin Tang
Addresses these paralysis patterns:
Main Actions
- Extinguishes and pacifies Wind with heavy medicinals
- Calms the Mind
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Paralysis Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Gun Tan Wan
Addresses these paralysis patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Fire and Phlegm
Addresses These Paralysis Pattern Variations
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...
Su He Xiang Wan
Addresses these paralysis patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and aromatically opens the sensory orifices
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Transforms turbidity
Addresses These Paralysis Pattern Variations
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...
Ding Zhi Wan
Addresses these paralysis patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Heart Qi
- Pacifies timidity
- Calms the Mind
Addresses These Paralysis Pattern Variations
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Addresses these paralysis patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
- Improves vision
Addresses These Paralysis Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang
Addresses these paralysis patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Heat
- Preserves Body Fluids
- Transforms Yin
Addresses These Paralysis Pattern Variations
Summer-Heat entering the Lesser Yin and Terminal Yin warps
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
Wasting, Thirst, Cardiac burning sensation, Irritability, Restlessness, Loss of consciousness...
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
Addresses these paralysis patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin
- Nourishes Blood
- Calms the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
Addresses These Paralysis Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Addresses these paralysis patterns:
Main Actions
- Pacifies the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Nourishes the Yin
- Anchors the Yang
Addresses These Paralysis Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Bu Gan Tang
Addresses these paralysis patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and regulates the Blood
- Nourishes the Liver Yin
Addresses These Paralysis Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these paralysis patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
Addresses These Paralysis Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Paralysis
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...