Twitching according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
twitching in the extremities and twitching of limbs redirect here
Twitching can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like twitching here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here twitching is often associated with low-grade fever, weight loss and malar flush in the pattern “Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior”. As you will see below, we have in record two patterns that can cause twitching.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of twitching we’ve identified two herbal formulas that may help treat patterns behind the symptom.
We’ve also selected below the five medicinal herbs that we think are most likely to help treat twitching.
The two "patterns of disharmony" that can cause twitching
In Chinese Medicine twitching is a symptom for 2 patterns that we have on record. Below is a small explanation for each of them with links for more details.
Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi) is the king ingredient for Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang, a formula used for Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior
Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Fine (Xi)
In addition to twitching, other symptoms associated with Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior include low-grade fever, weight loss and malar flush.
Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior is often treated with Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang, a herbal formula made of 12 herbs (including Achyranthes Roots - Niu Xi - as a key herb). Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Sedates the Liver".
Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao) is the king ingredient for Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, a formula used for Heat victorious stirring Wind
Heat victorious stirring Wind
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
In addition to twitching, other symptoms associated with Heat victorious stirring Wind include high fever, fainting and convulsions.
Heat victorious stirring Wind is often treated with Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, a herbal formula made of 10 herbs (including Saiga Antelope's Horns - Ling Yang Jiao - as a key herb). Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Cools the Liver".
Two herbal formulas that might help with twitching
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Source date: 1918 AD
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Key actions: Sedates the Liver. Axtinguishes Wind. Nourishes the Yin. Anchors the yang.
Why might Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang help with twitching?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Empty-Wind agitating in the Interior' of which twitching of limbs is a symptom.
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Source date: Qing dynasty
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Cools the Liver. Extinguishes Wind. Increases Fluids. Relaxes the sinews.
Why might Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang help with twitching?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Heat victorious stirring Wind' of which twitching of limbs is a symptom.
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat twitching
Why might Gambir Stem And Thorn (Gou Teng) help with twitching?
Because Gambir Stem And Thorn is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat twitching as a symptom, like Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin or Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang for instance.
Gambir Stems And Thorns is a Cool herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Liver and the Pericardium.
Its main actions are: Calms Liver Wind and relieves spasms. Clears Liver Heat and sedates Liver Yang.
Why might White Peony Root (Bai Shao) help with twitching?
Because White Peony Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat twitching as a symptom, like E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang or Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang for instance.
White Peony Roots is a Neutral herb that tastes Bitter and Sour. It targets the Liver and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain.
Why might Oyster Shell (Mu Li Ke) help with twitching?
Because Oyster Shell is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat twitching as a symptom, like Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang or Feng Yin Tang for instance.
Oyster Shells is a Cold herb that tastes Salty. It targets the Bladder, the Gallbladder, the Kidney and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Calms and anchors the spirit. Moistens Dryness. Softens and removes lumps. Nourish the Yin and subdues the overflowing of the Yang,
Why might Dragon Bone (Long Gu) help with twitching?
Because Dragon Bone is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat twitching as a symptom, like Feng Yin Tang or Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang for instance.
Dragon Bones is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Kidney and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Calms the spirit. Anchors ascendant Liver Yang. Stops leakage of Bodily Fluids.
Why might Liquorice (Gan Cao) help with twitching?
Because Liquorice is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat twitching as a symptom, like Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang or Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang for instance.
Liquorice is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs.
Other symptoms often associated with twitching
Dizziness Abdominal pain that worsens with cold Deep aching and heaviness in the extremities Heavy sensation in the head Edema Loose stools Palpitations Coughing Vomiting Sweating that doesnt reduce fever