Symptom family: Tic Disorders

Sub-symptom(s): Facial Tic

What is Tic Disorder?

Tic disorder encompasses a range of conditions characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements or vocalizations. These tics are sudden and brief, often resembling normal movements that have been taken out of context and exaggerated. Subtypes of tic disorders can manifest as facial tics, including rapid blinking or grimacing. While tics can sometimes be suppressed temporarily, they are typically not under the person's voluntary control and may worsen with stress or excitement.

How does TCM view Tic Disorder?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets tic disorders as a disruption in the natural flow of Qi and Blood, often caused by internal imbalances or external pathogenic factors.

TCM emphasizes the significance of identifying the specific disharmony within the body's energetic system, such as Liver Wind or Yin Deficiency, to effectively address the involuntary movements associated with tic disorders. By focusing on the root cause, TCM aims to harmonize the body’s energies and alleviate the symptoms.

Root Causes of Tic Disorder in TCM

Interior Wind, particularly arising within the Liver, can lead to sudden spasmodic movements — a hallmark of tics. This Wind often stirs up due to extreme emotions or systemic imbalance.

Yin Deficiency, notably within the Liver and Kidney, can unsettle the body's balance, manifesting in symptoms that may include tics or tremors. Treatments in TCM aim to calm the Internal Wind and nourish Yin to reduce the frequency and intensity of tics.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Liver
  • Kidney
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 Tic Disorder

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Convulsions Coma Headaches Limb Numbness Poor Memory Insomnia Dry Throat

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Interior Wind Tics, Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation, Eye deviation, Tremors, Headaches, Limb numbness... see more Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | 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 Tics, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Feng Yin Tang
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 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

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Tic Disorder

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency Tics, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin
Detailed description of the cause

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 Tic Disorder

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
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 Tic Disorder

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 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 Tic Disorder

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat Tics, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng 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 Tic Disorder

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Insomnia Limb Numbness Tingling Of Limbs Blurry Vision Dry Throat Hypertension Headaches

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat Tics, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Feng Yin Tang
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency Tics, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin
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 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

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Tic Disorder

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency Tics, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin

TCM Herbal Formulas for Tic Disorder

In managing tic disorders, TCM utilizes specific formulas designed to address the underlying patterns contributing to the condition. Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, with Gastrodia Rhizomes, is frequently used to pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop tremors, which are often associated with tic disorders.

Similarly, Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, incorporating Saiga antelope's horns, is another formula traditionally employed to extinguish Internal Wind. These herbal preparations are carefully selected to restore inner harmony and mitigate the involuntary movements characteristic of tic disorders.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify blood
  • Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
  • Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold

All Formulas Recommended for Tic Disorder Caused by Wind

Formula Patterns Suitable For
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more
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
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Bu Gan Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Si Wu Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Feng Yin Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more

All Formulas Recommended for Tic Disorder Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Gui Shao Di Huang Tang Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Yin Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Tic Disorder 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

All Formulas Recommended for Tic Disorder 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 Recommended for Tic Disorder 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

All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for tic disorder

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
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 tic disorder

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Interior Wind, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Interior Wind, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more
Gui Shao Di Huang Tang Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Yin Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for tic disorder

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bu Gan Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Si Wu Tang Interior Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang Not applicable

Acupoints for Tic Disorder

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

  • By Meridian
  • Small Intestine Channel
  • Large Intestine Channel
  • Bladder Channel
Quanliao SI-18

Quanliao SI-18

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

Yingxiang LI-20

Yingxiang LI-20

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

Zanzhu BL-2

Zanzhu BL-2

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