Facial Ticaccording to TCM

What is Facial Tic?

A facial tic is an involuntary, repetitive spasm or contraction of the facial muscles, often manifesting as rapid blinking, grimacing, or movements of the mouth. These spasms are typically uncontrollable and can be a source of social discomfort or distress for those affected. Facial tics can be transient or part of a chronic tic disorder, sometimes associated with conditions like Tourette syndrome. Their severity and frequency can vary, with some individuals experiencing tics infrequently and others having more persistent issues.

How does TCM view Facial Tic?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a 'pattern' refers to a comprehensive diagnostic conclusion that encapsulates the nature of a patient’s condition at a particular time. For issues like facial tic, understanding the pattern is crucial. It offers insight into which elements within the body are out of balance, be it Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang.

TCM prioritizes this pattern recognition because it shapes the treatment strategy, whether that involves acupuncture, herbal medicine, or dietary changes. It is a holistic approach, ensuring that the treatment addresses not just the symptoms but the root cause according to TCM theory.

Root Causes of Facial Tic in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the occurrence of facial tics is often explained by the disturbance of Liver Wind within the body. Two primary causes can lead to this internal agitation: Liver Yang Rising and Liver Blood Deficiency. When Liver Yang ascends excessively, it can cause involuntary movements, while Liver Blood Deficiency may fail to anchor the Yang, allowing it to 'float' and thus lead to spasms. Both conditions disrupt the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood, essential for maintaining muscle control and facial expression stability. Identifying whether the Liver Wind arises from Yang Rising or Blood Deficiency is key to selecting the most appropriate TCM treatment.

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

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 Facial Tic

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Blurry Vision Limb Numbness Tingling Of Limbs Poor Memory Insomnia Headaches Hypertension

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency	Facial tic, Fine tremor, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more	E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising	Facial tic, Tremors, 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	E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Facial Tic

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency	Facial tic, Fine tremor, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more	E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang

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 Facial Tic

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising	Facial tic, Tremors, 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	E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang

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 Facial Tic

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Blurry Vision Limb Numbness Tingling Of Limbs Poor Memory Insomnia Headaches Hypertension

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency	Facial tic, Fine tremor, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more	E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising	Facial tic, Tremors, 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	E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Facial Tic

TCM treatments for facial tics caused by Liver Wind seek to calm the Wind and address its root—either the hyperactivity of Liver Yang or the inadequacy of Liver Blood. Herbs that nourish Liver Blood or subdue Liver Yang are crucial in these formulas. One such compound, E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang, uses Donkey-hide gelatin to enrich the Blood, aiming to settle the Liver Wind and alleviate tics.

When the issue stems from Liver Yang Rising, the same formula can be employed to counteract the excessive Yang, thereby reducing its upward disturbance that may manifest as facial tics. These treatments are tailored to the individual's specific TCM diagnosis and the underlying pattern of disharmony.

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

Top Formula for Wind:
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause facial tic, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

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All Formulas Recommended for Facial Tic Caused by Wind

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang	Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more
Bu Gan Tang	Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Si Wu Tang	Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
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
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

Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang

Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause facial tic, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency

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All Formulas Recommended for Facial Tic Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang	Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Bu Gan Tang	Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Si Wu Tang	Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency

Top Formula for Yang Excess:
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang

Suitable for Yang Excess patterns that may cause facial tic, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Facial Tic Caused by Yang Excess

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang	Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
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
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

Acupoints for Facial Tic

Acupuncture is another cornerstone of TCM treatment for facial tics. Points such as Quanliao SI-18 are chosen for their ability to expel Wind and clear Heat, potentially providing relief from spasms. Yingxiang LI-20 is utilized to remove channel obstructions, which can harmonize the flow of Qi and reduce tics.

Additionally, Zanzhu BL-2 is believed to subdue Liver Yang and expel Wind-Heat from the face, addressing both the symptoms and the root cause of facial tics according to TCM philosophy. These points are part of a comprehensive treatment plan that combines acupuncture with herbal therapy to reduce tics.

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

Quanliao SI-18

Directly below the outer canthus, in the depression on the lower border of zygoma.

Yingxiang LI-20

In the nasolabrial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of ala nasi.

Zanzhu BL-2

On the medial extremity of the eyebrow, or on the supraorbital notch.