What is Convulsions?

Convulsions, also known as fits, are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that can cause the body to shake uncontrollably. These episodes can vary from brief tremors to prolonged and repetitive jerking.

Convulsions are often symptomatic of an underlying neurological condition and can be classified into chronic, acute, or clonic seizures based on their duration and intensity.

How does TCM View Convulsions?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, convulsions are symptomatic of deeper imbalances, referred to as 'patterns.' Understanding these patterns is crucial as they guide the TCM practitioner to tailor treatments that address the root disharmonies, whether it's an invasion of Wind, or a Excess of Heat

Identifying the right pattern is essential for restoring the individual's energetic equilibrium, ensuring a treatment that is specific to their unique condition.

Root Causes of Convulsions in TCM

TCM attributes convulsions to several internal imbalances. Heat victorious stirring Wind is a pattern where extreme Heat in the body leads to Wind, which disrupts the flow of Qi and Blood, resulting in convulsions. This condition typically presents with symptoms like high fever, limb twitching, and clenching of teeth.

Interior Liver Wind, on the other hand, reflects a chronic state that may involve tremors, dizziness, and involuntary movements. These patterns underscore the intricate relationship between the body's internal state and convulsive episodes.

Explore below more details about what might cause Convulsions according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Wind
  • Heat
  • Yang Excess
  • Liver
  • Pericardium
Detailed description of the cause

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Convulsions

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Coma High Fever Limb Twitching Stiff Neck Opisthotonos Hand Tremor Paralysis

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat victorious stirring Wind Convulsions, High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Eyeballs turning up, Clenching of teeth... see more Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Interior Wind Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation, Eye deviation, Tremors, Headaches, Limb numbness... see more Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat Convulsions, High fever, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Feng Yin Tang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising Convulsions, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Convulsions

Common Symptoms: Coma High Fever Stiff Neck Opisthotonos Nighttime Fever Delirium Confusion Incoherent Or Confused Speech

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat in Pericardium Convulsions, Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities... see more Qing Ying Tang | Zhi Bao Dan
Heat victorious stirring Wind Convulsions, High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Eyeballs turning up, Clenching of teeth... see more Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat Convulsions, High fever, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Feng Yin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Excess

Yang Excess in TCM refers to a state where there is an overabundance of Yang energy, leading to symptoms of heat and hyperactivity in the body. This pattern of disharmony often arises from factors like stress, excessive physical activity, overconsumption of spicy or heating foods, or an internal imbalance that causes Yang to flare up. Symptoms of Yang Excess include a feeling of heat, red face, irritability, restlessness, thirst, constipation, and a rapid, forceful pulse. Treatment in TCM for Yang Excess aims to cool down and subdue the excessive Yang while nurturing Yin energy to restore balance.... see more

Yang Excess Patterns That Can Lead to Convulsions

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising Convulsions, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Convulsions

Common Symptoms: High Fever Limb Twitching Stiff Neck Opisthotonos Dizziness Coma Loss Of Consciousness Eyeballs Turning Up

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat victorious stirring Wind Convulsions, High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Eyeballs turning up, Clenching of teeth... see more Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat Convulsions, High fever, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Feng Yin Tang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising Convulsions, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Pericardium

In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more

Pericardium Patterns That Can Lead to Convulsions

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat in Pericardium Convulsions, Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities... see more Qing Ying Tang | Zhi Bao Dan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Convulsions

To address convulsions, TCM suggests formulas that pacify Internal Wind and clear Heat. Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, with key ingredients such as Saiga antelope's horns, is commonly prescribed to calm the Liver Wind and halt tremors.

When convulsions are coupled with high fever and delirium, indicative of Heat in the Pericardium, formulas like Qing Ying Tang may be used. It contains cooling herbs such as Water Buffalo Horns to reduce nutritive-level Heat. Each herbal prescription is tailored to the individual's unique pattern of disharmony, ensuring a targeted approach to treatment.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address convulsions, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Wind
  • Heat
  • Yang Excess
  • Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify blood
  • Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
  • Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
  • Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind

All Formulas Recommended for Convulsions Caused by Wind

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Heat victorious stirring Wind, Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat... see more
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Feng Yin Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more
Bu Gan Tang Interior Wind
Si Wu Tang Interior Wind

All Formulas Recommended for Convulsions Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Heat victorious stirring Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat... see more
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Feng Yin Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Qing Ying Tang Heat in Pericardium
Zhi Bao Dan Heat in Pericardium

All Formulas Recommended for Convulsions Caused by Yang Excess

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Feng Yin Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for convulsions

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Heat victorious stirring Wind, Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat... see more
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for convulsions

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for convulsions

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bu Gan Tang Interior Wind
Si Wu Tang Interior Wind

Acupoints for Convulsions

In TCM, acupoint therapy is used to stabilize the patient's internal energies and reduce convulsions. Points along the Gall Bladder Channel, such as Benshen GB-13, can help calm the Mind and subdue rising Liver Yang. Governing Vessel points like Shenzhu DU-12 clear Lung Heat and dispel Wind.

Houxi SI-3 on the Small Intestine Channel can regulate Governing Vessels and expel both Internal and External Wind, beneficial in easing the convulsive movements. These points are part of a larger network used in acupuncture to restore balance and prevent the recurrence of convulsions.

Explore below some acupoints used to address convulsions, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Governing Vessel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Small Intestine Channel
  • Pericardium Channel
  • Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
  • Extra Points: Upper Extremities (EX-UE)
Hanyan GB-4

Hanyan GB-4

Within the hairline of the temporal region, midway of the upper half of the distance between Touwei ST-8 and Qubin GB-7.

Xuanlu GB-5

Xuanlu GB-5

Within the hairline of the temporal region, midway of the line connecting Touwei ST-8 and Qubin GB-7.

Tianchong GB-9

Tianchong GB-9

Posterior and superior to the auricle, about 0.5 cun posterior to Shuaigu GB-8.

Benshen GB-13

Benshen GB-13

0.5 cun within the hairline of the forehead, at the junction of the medial two-third and lateral third of the distance from Shenting DU-24 to Touwei ST-8.

Yaoshu DU-2

Yaoshu DU-2

In the hiatus of the sacrum.

Shenzhu DU-12

Shenzhu DU-12

On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 3th thoracic vertebra (T3).

Tongtian BL-7

Tongtian BL-7

1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 4 cun within the anterior hairline.

Chengjin BL-56

Chengjin BL-56

5 cun inferior to Weizhong BL-40 which is the midpoint of the popliteal crease. In the center of the belly of gastrocnemius muscle, midway between Heyang BL-55 and Chengshan BL-57.

Houxi SI-3

Houxi SI-3

Proximal to the head of the 5th metacarpal bone on the ulnar side, in the depression at the junction of the red and white skin.

Quze P-3

Quze P-3

On the transverse cubital crease, at the ulnar side of the tendon of biceps brachii muscle.

Yintang EX-HN-3

Yintang EX-HN-3

Yintang EX-HN-3 is between the eyebrows and on the anterior midline.

Shixuan EX-UE-11

Shixuan EX-UE-11

On the tips of the 10 fingers.