Tremors in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different tremors patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Condition Categories

Tremors
5
TCM Patterns
22
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 5 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each tremors pattern
Classical remedies 22 herbal formulas documented
Related conditions

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives tremors as an indication of internal imbalance, primarily involving the body's vital energy or Qi, Blood, and the harmony between Yin and Yang.

TCM does not view tremors solely as a neurological issue but as a symptom arising from systemic disharmony. TCM practitioners focus on identifying and correcting the underlying patterns of imbalance, using a holistic approach to restore the body's natural equilibrium.

TCM Patterns for Tremors

Wind

Causes sudden symptoms, movement disorders, and serves as the vehicle for other pathogens

Causes: Tremor, Fine tremor

4 variations documented
Onset Sudden
Location Often upper body/exterior
Features Rapid onset • Moving/migrating symptoms • Itching • Symptoms change location

Wind is the predominant pathogenic factor of spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is considered the leader of the six external pathogens. Wind is described as "the leader of the hundred diseases" (百病之长), serving as the primary factor in external pathogenic invasions. Wind represents a pathogen characterized by constant movement, changeability, and a tendency to affect the upper and outer portions of the body.

Interior Wind
How it presents with tremors

Tremor

Along with: Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder,

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
How it presents with tremors

Tremor

Along with: Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache,

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it presents with tremors

Tremor

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

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
How it presents with tremors

Fine tremor

Along with: Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory,

Blood Stasis

Blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels

Causes: Tremor

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual (trauma=sudden)
Location Often local, can be systemic
Features Fixed/stabbing pain • Purple/dark coloration • Masses/tumors • Pain worse at night

Blood Stasis represents blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels, either moving too slowly, pooling in certain areas, or congealing into clots. It's one of the most important pathological conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine and can be both a result of disease and a cause of further illness.

Blood Stagnation
How it presents with tremors

Tremor

Along with: Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps,

Yang Excess

Excessive yang energy that generates heat, agitation, and hyperactivity throughout the body systems

Causes: Tremor

1 variation documented
Onset Can be sudden
Location Systemic
Features True excess heat • Strong constitution • Full/forceful presentation • Red complexion

Yang Excess represents pathological hyperactivity of the body's yang qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It manifests as excessive heat, inflammation, and overstimulation that disrupts the normal balance between yin and yang, causing various acute and intense symptoms.

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it presents with tremors

Tremor

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

Blood Deficiency

Insufficient blood to nourish the body, causing paleness, dizziness, and dryness throughout the system

Causes: Fine tremor

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual
Location Systemic
Features Pale face/lips/nails • Blurred vision • Dizziness • Scanty menses • Numbness

Blood Deficiency represents a fundamental lack of blood volume or quality in the body, resulting in organs, tissues, and the mind being undernourished. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, blood not only refers to the red fluid in our vessels but encompasses the body's entire nourishing and moistening functions.

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
How it presents with tremors

Fine tremor

Along with: Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory,

Heat

Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes

Causes: Tremor

1 variation documented
Onset Can be sudden
Location Can be local or systemic
Features Red face/eyes • Thirst for cold drinks • Restlessness • Yellow/dark secretions

Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
How it presents with tremors

Tremor

Along with: Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache,

Herbal Formulas for Tremors

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address tremors

E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang

Addresses these tremors patterns:

Wind Yang Excess Blood Deficiency

Bu Gan Tang

Addresses these tremors patterns:

Wind Blood Deficiency

Feng Yin Tang

Addresses these tremors patterns:

Wind Heat Yang Excess

Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang

Addresses these tremors patterns:

Wind Heat

Qi Ju Di Huang Wan

Addresses these tremors patterns:

Wind Yang Excess

Si Wu Tang

Addresses these tremors patterns:

Wind Blood Deficiency

Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang

Addresses these tremors patterns:

Wind Yang Excess

Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang

Addresses these tremors patterns:

Blood Stasis

Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan

Addresses these tremors patterns:

Blood Stasis