Skin Numbness in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different skin numbness patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Skin numbness, a common sensation, refers to a loss or decrease in skin sensitivity. It can manifest as a tingling or a complete lack of feeling in the affected area. This symptom might arise from a variety of causes, such as nerve compression, poor circulation, or as a side effect of certain medical conditions. While often temporary, persistent numbness may require medical evaluation to identify and treat the underlying cause.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets skin numbness differently from Western medicine. In TCM, numbness is viewed as a symptom arising from imbalances or blockages within the body's energetic pathways.
This perspective considers a range of underlying patterns of disharmony rather than isolating the symptom to a specific physical cause. TCM emphasizes the need to accurately diagnose the underlying pattern to effectively treat the numbness, underscoring a holistic approach to health.
TCM Patterns for Skin Numbness
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause skin numbness
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Slowed-down (Huan), Weak (Ruo), Fine (Xi)
Pale tongue with thin white coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Slowed-down (Huan), Weak (Ruo), Fine (Xi)
Pale tongue with thin white coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Blood Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Firm (Lao), Wiry (Xian)
Purple tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Wiry (Xian)
Purple tongue with black dots and white sticky coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Slow (Chi), Soggy (Ru)
Stick white coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian), Full (Shi)
Deep red stiff tongue with dry yellow coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian), Full (Shi)
Deep red stiff tongue with dry yellow coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Skin Numbness
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address skin numbness