Epilepsy
AliasEpilepsy
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Epilepsy, also known as epilepsy, is categorized under the category of heart-related diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. According to classical Chinese medical texts, epilepsy is believed to arise from factors such as emotional disturbances, irregular diet, congenital deficiency, or postnatal malnutrition, leading to the internal generation of phlegm and turbidity, which obscure the clear orifices, block the meridians, and cause symptoms such as sudden fainting, tetany, and salivation. The treatment of epilepsy should adhere to the principle of "expelling what is excessive and reinforcing what is deficient," with the main therapeutic approach being to purge phlegm, subdue the wind, and open the orifices to stabilize epilepsy.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of epilepsy is the obstruction of meridians by phlegm and turbidity, disturbing the mind and spirit. Common precipitating factors include emotional disorders, irregular diet, and overexertion. During the process of differentiation, attention should be paid to distinguishing the nature of cold and heat, as well as the deficiency and excess. For instance, the wind-phlegm obstruction syndrome often manifests as dizziness and chest oppression before an attack, sudden fainting, and tetany with salivation; while the internal excess of phlegm-fire syndrome is characterized by irritability, restlessness, insomnia, and palpitations, with attacks presenting as fainting, tetany, and salivation. In treatment, traditional Chinese medicine believes that the corresponding adjustment should be made according to the syndrome type, such as purging phlegm and subduing the wind for the wind-phlegm obstruction syndrome, and clearing fire, expelling heat, and resolving phlegm for the phlegm-fire excess syndrome. The overall adjustment direction suggests focusing on regulating the spleen and stomach, removing dampness and phlegm, while also attending to the regulation of emotions and enhancing physical fitness.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Wind-Damp Phlegm Obstruction Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Dizziness and chest oppression before an attack, sudden fainting, convulsions, and vomiting of saliva
Management Approach: Clear phlegm and subdue the wind, open orifices and control epilepsy
Excess of Phlegm and Fire Internally
Main Manifestations: Generally irritable and prone to anger, heartache and insomnia, during an attack, fainting, convulsions, and spitting saliva
Management Approach: Clear heat and relieve fever, resolve phlegm and subdue the wind
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
During an attack, epilepsy patients often exhibit tetany, pale complexion, and pale tongue with white fur. It is often necessary to calm and stabilize the epilepsy to pacify the mind.
— Tang Yulan Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (Apprentice)
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)