Skin Numbnessaccording to TCM
Symptom families: General Body Pain and Discomfort, Dermatological Conditions & Symptoms
What is Skin Numbness?
Skin numbness, a common sensation, refers to a loss or decrease in skin sensitivity. It can manifest as a tingling or a complete lack of feeling in the affected area. This symptom might arise from a variety of causes, such as nerve compression, poor circulation, or as a side effect of certain medical conditions. While often temporary, persistent numbness may require medical evaluation to identify and treat the underlying cause.
How does TCM view Skin Numbness?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets skin numbness differently from Western medicine. In TCM, numbness is viewed as a symptom arising from imbalances or blockages within the body's energetic pathways.
This perspective considers a range of underlying patterns of disharmony rather than isolating the symptom to a specific physical cause. TCM emphasizes the need to accurately diagnose the underlying pattern to effectively treat the numbness, underscoring a holistic approach to health.
Root Causes of Skin Numbness in TCM
TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to skin numbness. Two prominent causes include Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis. Qi Deficiency, particularly patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency, is linked with symptoms such as generalized fatigue and weakness, indicating an overall energy deficit affecting bodily functions.
Blood Stasis, or Blood Stagnation, is characterized by symptoms like numbness with fixed stabbing pain, suggesting an obstruction in blood flow. These examples showcase TCM's comprehensive approach, connecting skin numbness to broader systemic issues rather than viewing it as an isolated symptom.
Explore below more details about what might cause Skin numbness according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Qi Deficiency
- Blood Deficiency
- Blood Stasis
- Phlegm
- Dampness
- Wind
- Heat
- View More Causes
- Liver
Qi Deficiency
Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more
Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Skin Numbness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi and Blood Deficiency | Numbness in the skin, Numbness, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more | Gui Pi Tang | Ba Zhen Tang | Guo Qi Yin | Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi 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 Skin Numbness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi and Blood Deficiency | Numbness in the skin, Numbness, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more | Gui Pi Tang | Ba Zhen Tang | Guo Qi Yin | Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang |
Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more
Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Skin Numbness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Stagnation | Numbness, Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps... see more | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Di Dang Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Hai Tong Pi Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
Phlegm
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Skin Numbness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Phlegm in the Channels joints and muscles | Numbness, Skin numbness, Skeletal deformities, Joint stiffness, Arthralgia, Muscle pain | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang |
Dampness
"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more
Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Skin Numbness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Dampness invading the Channels joints and muscles | Numbness in the skin, Arthralgia, Joint stiffness, Swollen joints, Skin numbness, Heavy joint, Muscle numbness... see more | Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang | Xiao Huo Luo Dan |
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 Skin Numbness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat | Numbness, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
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 Skin Numbness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat | Numbness, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng 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 Skin Numbness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat | Numbness, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Skin Numbness
In TCM, treatment for skin numbness varies based on the identified pattern. For Qi Deficiency patterns, Gui Pi Tang, containing Ginseng (Ren Shen), is often used to nourish Qi and Blood.
In cases of Blood Stasis, Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), is recommended to invigorate Blood and dispel Stagnation. These formulas align with the TCM principle of addressing the specific imbalances contributing to the symptom, demonstrating the personalized nature of TCM treatments.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address skin numbness, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Qi Deficiency
- Blood Deficiency
- Blood Stasis
- Phlegm
- Dampness
- Wind
- Heat
- View More Causes
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that tonify
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
- Formulas that regulate blood
Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Gui Pi Tang
Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause skin numbness, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Skin Numbness Caused by Qi Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Gui Pi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Ba Zhen Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Guo Qi Yin | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Gui Pi Tang
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause skin numbness, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Skin Numbness Caused by Blood Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Gui Pi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Ba Zhen Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Guo Qi Yin | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause skin numbness, such as Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Skin Numbness Caused by Blood Stasis
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Hai Tong Pi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Blood Stagnation |
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause skin numbness, such as Phlegm in the Channels joints and muscles
Learn more
Top Formula for Dampness:
Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause skin numbness, such as Dampness invading the Channels joints and muscles
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Skin Numbness Caused by Dampness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang | Dampness invading the Channels joints and muscles |
| Xiao Huo Luo Dan | Dampness invading the Channels joints and muscles |
Top Formula for Wind:
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause skin numbness, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Skin Numbness Caused by Wind
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
| Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
| Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Top Formula for Heat:
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause skin numbness, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Skin Numbness Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
| Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
| Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some skin numbness-causing patterns like Dampness invading the Channels joints and muscles.
One such formula is Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang, with dong quai as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for skin numbness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang | Dampness invading the Channels joints and muscles |
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
These formulas are suitable for some skin numbness-causing patterns like Dampness invading the Channels joints and muscles.
One such formula is Xiao Huo Luo Dan, with prepared kusnezoffii aconite as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dredge and disperse external wind" recommended for skin numbness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Xiao Huo Luo Dan | Dampness invading the Channels joints and muscles |
| Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
These formulas are suitable for some skin numbness-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify qi and blood" recommended for skin numbness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Gui Pi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Ba Zhen Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind
These formulas are suitable for some skin numbness-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat.
One such formula is Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, with gastrodia rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for skin numbness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
| Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Formulas that tonify Blood
These formulas are suitable for some skin numbness-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Guo Qi Yin, with dong quai as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify
These formulas are suitable for some skin numbness-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some skin numbness-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
These formulas are suitable for some skin numbness-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some skin numbness-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some skin numbness-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
External formulas for External disorders
These formulas are suitable for some skin numbness-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Hai Tong Pi Tang, with erythrinae bark as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold
These formulas are suitable for some skin numbness-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that regulate Blood
These formulas are suitable for some skin numbness-causing patterns like Phlegm in the Channels joints and muscles.
One such formula is Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Acupoints for Skin Numbness
TCM also employs acupuncture for managing skin numbness. Specific acupoints are chosen based on their efficacy in addressing the underlying patterns. For instance, Futu ST-32 on the Stomach Channel, located on the thigh, is known for its ability to remove obstructions from the channel and expel Wind and Dampness, both of which can contribute to numbness.
Another important point is Zhongdu GB-32 on the Gall Bladder Channel, which helps expel Wind, Dampness, and Cold, and is effective in alleviating channel obstructions. These acupoints illustrate TCM's targeted approach, using specific locations on the body to harmonize internal imbalances that manifest as skin numbness.
Explore below some acupoints used to address skin numbness, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Stomach Channel
- Gall Bladder Channel
Futu ST-32
6 cun superior to the upper-lateral border of the patella, on the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and upper lateral border of the patella.
