Parkinson's Disease (Adjunct)
Overview
Chànzhèng (tremor syndrome) is a disease characterized by shaking and trembling of the head or limbs. In mild cases, only slight head shaking or hand and foot tremor is seen; in severe cases, the head shakes violently, the limbs tremble incessantly, and even the trunk and four limbs shake, leading to loss of self-care ability. It is commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly people and is closely related to Parkinson's disease, serving as an adjunctive category in TCM diagnosis and treatment. Causes include aging and deficiency, emotional disharmony, improper diet, and internal damage from overstrain. The disease is located in the sinews and vessels and is closely related to the liver, kidney, and spleen. The basic pathogenesis is internal stirring of liver wind and malnourishment of sinews and vessels. The pathological nature is root deficiency and branch excess: root deficiency is liver-kidney yin deficiency and qi-blood insufficiency; branch excess is wind, fire, phlegm, and blood stasis. Clinical differentiation should distinguish root and branch, deficiency and excess, with the principle of supporting the upright and dispelling pathogenic factors, and regulating yin and yang.
Pattern differentiation (clinical patterns)
Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency
Head shaking and limb tremor that cannot be controlled, dizziness and tinnitus, insomnia and dream-disturbed sleep, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, five-center heat, night sweats, red tongue with little coating, and a thin rapid pulse.
Nourish the liver and kidney, enrich yin and extinguish wind.
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Prolonged limb tremor of greater severity, dull complexion, fatigue and lack of strength, dizziness and blurred vision, palpitations and insomnia, pale tongue, and a thin weak pulse.
Benefit qi and nourish blood, moisten and nourish the sinews and vessels.
Wind-Phlegm Obstructing the Collaterals
Incessant tremor, numbness of the limbs, dizziness and vertigo, chest oppression with profuse phlegm, white greasy tongue coating, and a wiry slippery pulse.
Extinguish wind and transform phlegm, unblock the collaterals and stop tremor.
Connections
Daily care & prevention
Patients should maintain emotional stability, avoid worry and anger, keep regular daily routines, and balance work and rest. Diet should be light and nutritious, with more liver-kidney nourishing foods such as black sesame, walnut, and goji berry; avoid pungent, greasy, and sweet foods. Engage in gentle exercises such as taijiquan and baduanjin to promote qi-blood circulation and relax sinews and activate collaterals. Family members should provide psychological support, prevent falls, and ensure safety. Acupoint massage at Taichong (LR3), Hegu (LI4), and Zusanli (ST36) can help relieve symptoms. Regular follow-up visits and adherence to medication are essential; do not stop or adjust medication without medical advice.
When to seek medical care
If tremor suddenly worsens, limb rigidity becomes marked, walking difficulty intensifies, or if fever, abnormal consciousness, dysphagia, or choking occurs, seek medical attention promptly. If complications such as falls, trauma, fractures, or pulmonary infection occur, immediate management is required. If the condition progresses rapidly or new neurological symptoms appear, consult a specialist as soon as possible to rule out other diseases.