The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Possible causes and remedies:
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner
Symptoms: Thirst Amenorrhea Night fever and five other symptoms
Recommended formula: Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Symptoms: Belching Vomiting Acid reflux and five other symptoms
Recommended formula: Yue Ju Wan
In Chinese Medicine, epilepsy can be associated with five so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease", as a matter of fact here epilepsy can be caused by five different patterns.
To understand whether someone's epilepsy might be caused by a given pattern, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from epilepsy alone. For instance when epilepsy is caused by the pattern Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner, patients also experience symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, night fever, delirious speech and irritability. Similarly, patients with Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner typically exhibit choppy (Se) or full (Shi) pulses.
We've listed below a description of the five patterns associated with epilepsy so that you can start to get an understanding of the various possibilities according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below twenty formulas that can help treat the various patterns associated with epilepsy, depending on which pattern fits your profile.
The Triple Burner is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Triple Burner in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Choppy (Se), Full (Shi)
Recommended herbal formula: Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Symptoms: Thirst Amenorrhea Night fever Irritability Dysmenorrhea Restlnessness Delirious speech Lower abdominal pain
Epilepsy might be due to Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, night fever, delirious speech and irritability. Similarly, patients with Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner typically exhibit choppy (Se) or full (Shi) pulses.
Read more about Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner here
Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) is the key herb for Yue Ju Wan, a formula used for Qi Stagnation
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Thin white coating
Tongue color: Normal (light red)
Recommended herbal formula: Yue Ju Wan
Symptoms: Belching Vomiting Acid reflux Indigestion Poor appetite Fixed pain in the hypochondria Mild coughing with copious sputum Stifling sensation in the chest and abdomen
Epilepsy might be due to Qi Stagnation if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as stifling sensation in the chest and abdomen, fixed pain in the hypochondria, belching and vomiting. Similarly, patients with Qi Stagnation typically exhibit wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a normal (light red) tongue with thin white coating.
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu), Tight (Jin)
Tongue coating: Thin white coating
Tongue color: Normal (light red), Pale
Recommended herbal formula: Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Symptoms: Coughing Dizziness Headaches Depression Moving pain Listlessness Hypochondrium fullness
Epilepsy might be due to Lung Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as coughing, hypochondrium fullness, dizziness and headaches. Similarly, patients with Lung Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation typically exhibit empty (Xu) or tight (Jin) pulses as well as a normal (light red), pale tongue with thin white coating.
Read more about Lung Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation here
Ephedra (Ma Huang) is the key herb for Xiao Qing Long Tang, a formula used for Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm
Pulse type(s): Floating (Fu), Tight (Jin)
Tongue coating: Thick white coating
Tongue shape: Swollen
Recommended herbal formula: Xiao Qing Long Tang
Symptoms: Wheezing No thirst Absence of sweating Generalized body pain Alternating fever and chills General sensation of heaviness Stifling sensation in the chest Coughing of copious thin and white sputum
Epilepsy might be due to Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as alternating fever and chills, absence of sweating, wheezing and stifling sensation in the chest. Similarly, patients with Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm typically exhibit floating (Fu) or tight (Jin) pulses as well as a tongue with thick white coating.
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue color: Red
Recommended herbal formula: Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Symptoms: Vertigo Tinnitus Insomnia Headaches Dizziness Blurred vision Dream disturbed sleep Spasms in the extremities Numbness in the extremities Twitching in the extremities Feeling of heat rushing to the head
Epilepsy might be due to Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, vertigo and tinnitus. Similarly, patients with Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a red tongue.
Read more about Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising here
The top herbs in Tao He Cheng Qi Tang are Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), Rhubarb (Da Huang) and Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Key actions: Dispels Heat and. Eliminates Blood Stagnation.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner, a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Yue Ju Wan are Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu), Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) and Coco-Grass Rhizomes (Xiang Fu)
Source date: 1481 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Key actions: Promotes the movement of Qi. Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness).
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Qi Stagnation, a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from Qi Stagnation, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Xiao Chai Hu Tang are Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) and Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer). Regulates the Liver and Spleen functions. Addresses combined Yin-Yang symptoms of External and Internal, Excess and Deficiency, and Hot and Cold.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Lung Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation, a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from Lung Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Xiao Qing Long Tang are Ephedra (Ma Huang), Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) and Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Releases the Exterior. Transforms Phlegm-Fluids. Warms the Lungs. Directs Rebellious Qi downward.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm, a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin are Gastrodia Rhizomes (Tian Ma), Gambir Stems And Thorns (Gou Teng) and Abalone Shells (Shi Jue Ming)
Source date: 1958 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Key actions: Calms the Liver. Extinguishes wind. Invigorates the blood. Clears heat. Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Dang Gui Long Hui Wan are Dong Quai (Dang Gui), Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao) and Aloe Vera (Lu Hui)
Source date: 1172 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Key actions: Drains Liver and Gallbladder Fire Excess.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang are Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), Dong Quai (Dang Gui) and Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong)
Source date: 1830 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies Qi. Invigorates Blood. Unblocks the channels.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang are Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi), Hematite (Dai Zhe Shi) and Dragon Bones (Long Gu)
Source date: 1918 AD
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Key actions: Sedates the Liver. Axtinguishes Wind. Nourishes the Yin. Anchors the yang.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang are Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) and Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Key actions: Unblocks the three Yang warps. Sedates and calms the Spirit.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Liang Ge San are Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao), Rhubarb (Da Huang) and Mirabilites (Mang Xiao)
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Drains Fire. Unblocks the bowels by clearing the Upper Burner. Draining the Middle Burner.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Ci Zhu Wan are Magnetite (Ci Shi), Cinnabar (Zhu Sha) and Medicated Leaven (Shen Qu)
Source date: 650 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Heavily sedates and calms the Mind . Pacifies Rising Yang . Improves the vision and hearing.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Sheng Tie Luo Yin are Oxidized Iron Filings (Sheng Tie Luo), Cinnabar (Zhu Sha) and Arisaema With Bile (Dan Nan Xing)
Source date: 1732 AD
Number of ingredients: 15 herbs
Key actions: Sedates the Heart . Clears Phlegm. Clears Fire. Calms the Mind.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Zhen Zhu Mu Wan are Mother Of Pearl (Zhen Zhu Mu), Dragon Bones (Long Gu) and Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren)
Source date: 1132 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes the Yin and Blood . Sedates the Heart and calms the Mind . Calms the Liver. Anchors the yang.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Zi Xue Dan are Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao) and Musk (She Xiang)
Source date: 752 AD
Number of ingredients: 17 herbs
Key actions: Clears Heat. Opens the sensory orifices. Controls spasms and convulsions. Extinguishes Wind.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Su He Xiang Wan are Styrax (Su He Xiang), Musk (She Xiang) and Borneol (Bing Pian)
Source date: 752 AD
Number of ingredients: 15 herbs
Key actions: Warms and aromatically opens the sensory orifices. Promotes the movement of Qi. Transforms turbidity.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Di Dang Tang are Leeches (Shui Zhi), Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) and Peach Kernels (Tao Ren)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Breaks up and dispels Blood Stagnation .
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Gun Tan Wan are Chlorite Schist (Meng Shi), Rhubarb (Da Huang) and Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin)
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Feng Yin Tang are Dragon Bones (Long Gu), Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) and Liquorice (Gan Cao)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Key actions: Extinguishes and pacifies Wind with heavy medicinals. Calms the Mind. Clears Heat.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Gan Mai Da Zao Tang are Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai), Liquorice (Gan Cao) and Jujube Dates (Da Zao)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 3 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes the Heart. Calms the Mind. Harmonizes the middle burner. Relaxes hypertonicity.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Xiao Cheng Qi Tang are Rhubarb (Da Huang), Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu) and Immature Bitter Oranges (Zhi Shi)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 3 herbs
Key actions: Moderately purges Heat accumulation. Circulates Qi in the Middle .
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with epilepsy. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Dizziness Headaches Lower abdominal pain Night fever Delirious speech Irritability Restlnessness Thirst Amenorrhea Dysmenorrhea