Numbness in Limbs

肢體麻木 / 肢体麻木

Reduced sensation or numbness in the extremities, linked to Qi-Blood deficiency or channel obstruction.

Quick Facts

Health Topic	Pain & Mobility
Also Known As	Limb numbness, Numb arms or legs, Pins and needles in limbs, Reduced sensation in limbs
Common Symptoms	Reduced or altered sensation in the arms, hands, legs or feet, ranging from mild tingling to clear numbness. It may be intermittent or persistent, worse in cold weather or after prolonged posture, and can affect fine movement when severe.
Related TCM Patterns	Blood Stasis · Qi Deficiency · Dampness · Damp-Heat
Related Classical Formulas	Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang · Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang · Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang · Si Miao San · San Bi Tang · Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang

Numbness in Limbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, numbness in the limbs in the current set is associated with Qi deficiency. Differentiation looks at whether there is fatigue, a weak pulse and a pale tongue. Classical formulas are matched to this pattern context rather than to numbness alone. Accompanying signs such as tongue appearance, pulse quality and the presence of heat or cold help distinguish one presentation from another.

TCM Patterns Associated With Numbness in Limbs

The same presentation may be understood through more than one pattern. Pattern differentiation weighs the accompanying signs, not the symptom on its own.

Pattern	Common Features	Related Formulas
Blood Stasis血瘀證Stagnation Patterns	Fixed, stabbing or piercing pain that does not move freely, often worse at night or with pressure. The complexion may look darker or purplish, and in women the menstrual flow can be dark with clots. Lips or nails may appear dusky. Tongue dark or with purple spots or congested veins under the tongue; pulse choppy or wiry and hesitant.	Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
Qi Deficiency氣虛證Deficiency Patterns	Easy fatigue, shortness of breath on mild effort, a soft or low voice, and spontaneous sweating with light activity. The complexion is often pale, and recovery after exertion is slow. There may be a tendency to catch external pathogens more easily. Tongue pale with a thin white coating; pulse weak or empty.	Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang
Dampness濕阻證Damp Patterns	A heavy, sluggish body feeling, abdominal fullness, sticky sensation in the mouth, and reduced appetite. Stools may be sticky or incomplete, and the person often feels worse in humid weather. There can be oedema of the limbs or a greasy facial sheen. Tongue with a thick greasy white coating; pulse soft or slippery.	Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang San Bi Tang
Damp-Heat濕熱證Damp Patterns	A heavy body with a sense of heat, sticky or bitter taste in the mouth, scanty dark urine, and discomfort that worsens in hot humid weather. There may be greasy skin, sticky stools, or yellowish discharge. Thirst is present but drinking may not feel satisfying. Tongue red with a yellow greasy coating; pulse slippery and rapid.	Si Miao San