Joint Numbnessaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Joint Symptoms
Sub-symptom(s): Elbow Numbness Knee Numbness
What is Joint Numbness?
Joint numbness refers to a loss of sensation in one or more joints, often accompanied by a tingling sensation or a reduction in mobility. This condition can affect any joint in the body, including the elbows and knees, and can range from mild to severe.
Joint numbness may result from various factors, including nerve damage, poor circulation, or underlying health conditions. Understanding the cause of joint numbness is essential for effective treatment and the prevention of further complications.
How does TCM view Joint Numbness?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a 'pattern' refers to a comprehensive diagnostic framework that reflects the individual's overall health condition, encompassing the nature of symptoms, emotional temperament, and physical constitution. Understanding a pattern is vital because it informs the specific TCM treatment strategies—be it acupuncture, herbal medicine, or lifestyle modifications.
Joint numbness is not viewed merely as a symptom to be treated in isolation but as a signal of deeper disharmonies within the body. Recognizing the specific pattern leading to numbness, such as stagnation of Qi, invasion of pathogenic Cold, or Blood Deficiency, allows TCM practitioners to address the root causes, rather than just the symptoms. It is this nuanced approach that enables TCM to provide personalized and effective care for joint numbness.
Causes of Joint Numbness According to TCM
TCM identifies several patterns that may lead to joint numbness, with Cold invading the Channels and Painful Obstruction being among the most common. These conditions occur when external Cold penetrates the body, disrupting the flow of Qi and Blood within the meridians and leading to numbness and pain.
Additionally, Dampness accumulation in the joints can also cause numbness by hindering the movement of Qi and Blood. Addressing these underlying causes through TCM practices is essential for restoring the free flow of Qi and Blood and relieving numbness in the joints.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Joint Numbness
To treat joint numbness, TCM employs formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold, targeting the root causes of the condition. One such formula is Wu Tou Tang, which features Prepared Sichuan aconite (Zhi Chuan Wu) as a key ingredient.
This formula is particularly effective for patterns involving Cold invading the Channels, causing joint and muscle pain and numbness. By warming the Channels and dispersing Cold, Wu Tou Tang helps to restore the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, alleviating numbness and discomfort in the affected joints.
See more details below about Wu Tou Tang, a herbal formula used to address joint numbness.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold
Joint numbness can be treated by these formulas if it results from cold obstructing the meridians, leading to pain or stiffness, requiring warming and dispersing actions.
One such formula is Wu Tou Tang, with prepared sichuan aconite as a key herb.
Acupoints for Joint Numbness
Explore below some acupoints used to address joint numbness, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
- Large Intestine Channel
- Stomach Channel
- Extra Points: Lower Extremities (EX-LE)
- Gall Bladder Channel
Fufen BL-41
3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2).
Shouwuli LI-13
Superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, 3 cun above Quchi LI-11, on the line connecting Quchi LI-11 and Jianyu LI-15.
Xiyan EX-LE-5
This is a group of 2 points, composed of Dubi ST-35 and Neixiyan EX-LE-4. Both are located inferior to the patella, medial and lateral to the patellar ligament. Dubi ST-35 is the lateral one, while Neixiyan EX-LE-4 is the medial one.
Xiyangguan GB-33
When the knee is flexed, Xiyangguan GB-33 is above Yanglingguan GB-34, in the depression between the shaft of the lateral epicondyle and the tendon of the biceps femoris muscle.
TCM Herbs for Joint Numbness
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address joint numbness, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Joint numbness can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Prepared Sichuan Aconite (Zhi Chuan Wu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for joint numbness, like Wu Tou Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness" recommended for joint numbness
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Sichuan Aconite (Zhi Chuan Wu) | Wu Tou Tang |
| Mulberry Twigs (Sang Zhi) | Not applicable |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Joint numbness can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for joint numbness, like Wu Tou Tang.