Peripheral Neuropathyaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Neurological Disorders, Neuralgias and Neuropathies
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy encompasses a range of disorders characterized by damage to the body's peripheral nerves. These nerves transmit signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness, primarily in the hands and feet.
The condition can result from various factors, including diabetes, infections, inherited disorders, and exposure to toxins. Peripheral neuropathy significantly impacts quality of life, affecting everyday tasks and mobility.
How Does TCM View Peripheral Neuropathy?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets peripheral neuropathy through the prism of Qi (vital energy) flow and Blood circulation within the body. According to TCM, neuropathy arises when Qi and Blood fail to nourish the limbs adequately, often due to underlying disharmonies or blockages.
The TCM approach emphasizes understanding the specific pattern of disharmony—be it Qi And Blood Stagnation, or the invasion of external pathogens like Wind, Cold, or Dampness—to tailor treatment strategies effectively.
Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy According to TCM
In TCM, peripheral neuropathy is often attributed to blockages or Deficiencies that disrupt Blood flow. Two primary patterns include Wind-Damp invasion or Blood Stagnation. Wind-Damp invasion leads to joint and muscle discomfort, resembling the tingling and numbness seen in neuropathy.
Blood Stagnation, on the other hand, causes pain and weakness by impeding the flow of vital energy and nutrients. Understanding these patterns helps practitioners target treatment to restore balance and alleviate symptoms.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Peripheral Neuropathy
To combat peripheral neuropathy, TCM practitioners may prescribe specific formulas based on the identified patterns. For conditions marked by Cold, Dampness, and Wind invading the channels, Xiao Huo Luo Dan, enriched with Prepared Kusnezoffii aconite, warms the channels and dispels pathogenic influences.
When dealing with Blood Stagnation, Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, featuring Peach Kernels, helps enhance circulation and relieve pain. Additionally, Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang, with Dong quai, targets Dampness and invigorates blood flow, addressing the underlying causes of neuropathic pain and weakness. These formulas exemplify TCM's holistic approach, aiming to restore harmony and improve nerve function.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address peripheral neuropathy, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- Formulas that regulate blood
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Peripheral neuropathy can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Xiao Huo Luo Dan, with prepared kusnezoffii aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that regulate Blood
Peripheral neuropathy can be treated by these formulas when it stems from irregularities or imbalances in the blood, which may affect circulation or cause other blood-related issues.
One such formula is Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Peripheral neuropathy can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang, with dong quai as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Peripheral Neuropathy
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address peripheral neuropathy, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Peripheral neuropathy can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peripheral neuropathy, like Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for peripheral neuropathy
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang |
| Safflowers (Hong Hua) | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang |
| Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Peripheral neuropathy can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Dong Quai (Dang Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peripheral neuropathy, like Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for peripheral neuropathy
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang |
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang |
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Peripheral neuropathy can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Kusnezoffii Aconite (Zhi Cao Wu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peripheral neuropathy, like Xiao Huo Luo Dan.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Peripheral neuropathy 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 peripheral neuropathy, like Xiao Huo Luo Dan.