When the Inner Wind Rises – How TCM Sees Epilepsy

When the Inner Wind Rises ..

If you ask a Western neurologist what epilepsy is, they’ll tell you it’s a disorder caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
But if you ask a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, they’ll say something completely different:
“It’s a disturbance in the flow of Qi and Shen – the body’s energy and the spirit of the mind.”

Sounds poetic? Maybe. But in TCM, poetry is just another way of explaining balance. Body and mind are seen as one dynamic system. When energy doesn’t move smoothly, it can erupt into what Chinese doctors for centuries have called “Internal Wind.”

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What Epilepsy Means in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In ancient classics like Huang Di Nei Jing, you can find vivid descriptions of people losing consciousness, shaking, or breathing irregularly. These weren’t mystical events – they were carefully observed patterns.
Chinese physicians noticed that such states often came from a mix of Wind, Phlegm, and Fire disturbing the clarity of the Mind (Shen).

In short, epilepsy in TCM isn’t viewed as a single disease, but as a disharmony between key organs – most often the Liver (Gan), Spleen (Pi), and Kidneys (Shen).

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The Dance of Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang

There’s an old saying in Chinese medicine:

“Where Qi flows freely, there is no pain. Where Qi is blocked, imbalance appears.”

When energy stagnates, especially in the upper part of the body, it can suddenly “burst” – just like a thunderstorm after pressure builds up in the clouds.
This is how TCM interprets the sudden and unpredictable nature of epileptic episodes.

Common patterns include:

• Excess Liver Yang – too much rising energy that shoots upward.
• Kidney Yin deficiency – not enough grounding energy to hold things steady.
• Phlegm and Heat – fogging the mind, dulling awareness.

Each of these patterns creates its own version of inner chaos – a kind of energetic storm within the nervous system.

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🌪The Root of the Storm – The Internal Wind

There’s a Chinese proverb that says:

“The Wind stirs what should be still.”

In TCM, Internal Wind isn’t a metaphor; it’s a pattern describing sudden, involuntary movements, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
And this Wind almost always originates from the Liver, the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body.

When emotions – especially anger, frustration, or bottled-up stress – build up, the Liver can “flare up.” Its energy rises violently, and that’s when the Inner Wind is unleashed.

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The Most Common TCM Patterns in Epilepsy

1. Liver Wind Stirring Internally

• Signs: muscle spasms, tremors, dizziness.
• Classical herbal formula: Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin – calms the Wind and supports Qi balance.

1. Phlegm and Heat Obstructing the Mind (Shen)

• Often linked to a heavy, greasy diet or chronic stress.
• Herbs like Yuan Zhi, Ju Hua, and Zhen Zhu Mu are used to clear the mind and cool internal heat.

1. Spleen Deficiency Creating Phlegm

• The Spleen is called “the source of Qi and Blood.”
• When weak, it generates Dampness and Phlegm.
• TCM recommends a warm, light diet and avoiding dairy or fried foods.

1. Kidney Essence (Jing) Deficiency

• Common in older adults or after years of exhaustion.
• Nourishing herbs and gentle exercises help restore inner vitality.

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Stories from TCM Practice

Case 1: A 28-year-old man
He experienced episodes mainly after stress. Diagnosis: Liver Wind with Fire rising.
After taking Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin and Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan, combined with breathing practices, his focus improved, and sleep became deeper and calmer.

Case 2: A 67-year-old woman
She often felt dizzy and tired before her episodes. Diagnosis: Kidney Essence deficiency with Heart Fire disturbing Shen.
She was advised Zhen Zhu Mu and Yuan Zhi, plus daily qigong practice for gentle grounding.

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Simple Home Practices Inspired by TCM

✔ Evening calm ritual – soak your feet in warm water with salt and ginger before bed.
✔ Herbal tea with Yuan Zhi – believed to support emotional harmony.
✔ Daily acupressure on Tai Chong (LV3) – helps energy flow freely through the Liver meridian.

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Quick Guide: Acupressure for Tai Chong (LV3)

1. Sit comfortably.
2. Find the spot between your big toe and second toe, about two finger-widths up.
3. Press gently with your thumb for 5 minutes.
4. Breathe slowly and deeply.
5. Watch on our YouTube channel HERE

Many people describe a sense of “lightness” in their head afterward – a sign that Qi is moving again.
Try doing it twice a day for a few weeks and observe the subtle shift in your mood and energy.

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Three Everyday Recommendations from TCM for People Experiencing Energy Imbalance

A TCM doctor often reminds patients:
“We don’t treat diseases; we help people find harmony.”
Here are three grounded, practical pieces of advice often shared in TCM clinics.

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1. Create a Steady Daily Rhythm – Yin and Yang Love Routine

In TCM, humans live “between Heaven and Earth.” That means our daily rhythm directly mirrors nature.
For many people prone to energetic imbalances, life has lost its rhythm: too little sleep, too many screens, irregular meals, constant stress.

Try this instead:

• Go to bed at a consistent time – ideally before 11 PM.
• Eat calmly, without scrolling your phone.
• Take a short breathing break between 1–3 PM – the time of day the body naturally recharges according to the organ clock.

These simple rituals can do wonders. When your day flows in rhythm, the Liver and Heart regain balance, and so does your Qi.

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2. Learn to “Calm the Wind” – Emotions Matter

TCM says:

“When emotions lose direction, the Wind begins to stir.”

That’s another way of saying that emotional turbulence often precedes physical tension.
Stress, anger, worry – all make energy rise to the head, feeding the Inner Wind.

Try to:

• Stretch or walk after long hours at a desk.
• Sip warm tea with a chryzanthemum.
• Practice gentle qigong or moving meditation.
• Reflect on your feelings instead of pushing them away.

Many patients notice that after 10 minutes of slow breathing daily, they sleep better, focus longer, and feel more grounded.

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3. Eat in a Way That Prevents “Phlegm”

In TCM, Phlegm (Tan) isn’t just mucus – it’s a metaphor for stagnation in the body and mind.
Heavy, cold, or processed foods slow the energy down and “cloud” mental clarity.

Go for:

• Warm breakfasts (like oatmeal with dates and ginger).
• Steamed or lightly cooked green vegetables.
• Avoid iced drinks or dairy-heavy meals, even in summer.

As one Chinese doctor told me:

“Phlegm is like fog on a window – once you wipe it away, you can finally see the world clearly again.”

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A Glimpse from Life in China

When I studied in Hangzhou, I spent countless hours observing TCM doctors at work.
One elderly practitioner once told me something I’ll never forget:

“You don’t always need to ask what’s wrong with the body. Sometimes, you just need to look into a person’s eyes.”

He meant that the Shen – the spirit of the mind – often tells the story before words ever do.

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Between Heaven and Earth – The Essence of Balance

In the end, TCM doesn’t see epilepsy (or any imbalance) as an enemy.
It’s an invitation – a signal from the body asking for balance between movement and stillness, between action and rest, between body and soul.

Just like in nature, after every storm comes clear skies.
When we learn to flow with our own rhythm – breathe, eat, feel, rest – we begin to live not against our body, but with it.

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A Gentle Reminder

The ideas shared here are rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy.
They aim to support awareness, calm, and balance – not to replace medical care.
Many people today find value in combining both worlds: the precision of modern medicine and the wisdom of ancient TCM.

Because true healing isn’t about choosing sides – it’s about letting East and West work together for a more harmonious life.

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Closing Thought:
Balance isn’t a final destination – it’s a rhythm you return to every day.
And maybe that’s what TCM has been whispering all along:

“When Qi flows freely, the heart becomes quiet – and the mind, clear as the morning sky.”

What book would you recommend?
You’ll find much more on this topic in the recommended book below:

Treating Epilepsy Naturally : A Guide to Alternative and Adjunct Therapies 
👉 [Buy on Amazon – Here]

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Where can I buy it?
If you’re looking for authentic, practitioner-recommended, high-quality Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas — available globally — we recommend the following herbal products. These time-tested formulas are crafted with the finest ingredients and are widely used to support emotional balance, digestion, energy, and overall wellness.

FYI: This post contains affiliate links to herbs we’ve actually tried from reliable, certified sellers. If you buy through them, you’re supporting our blog. Thanks! 🙏

Top Recommended High-Quality Herbal Formulas:

Before you decide to buy, check the detailed description and reviews in several stores to see if this product is right for you!

1. Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan
   An emotional & digestive support champion. It helps release stress, ease bloating, PCOS
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2.  Xiao yao wan
   Balances emotions and Qi
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3. Chai hu shu gan wan or Shu gan wan
   A favorite for chronic stress patterns.
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   Tian ma gou teng wan
   Muscle spasms, tremors, dizziness
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   Yuan zhi
   Clear the mind and cool internal heat.
   👉 [Buy on Amazon –Here ]
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These formulas are based on ancient herbal wisdom and are used by TCM practitioners worldwide. Be sure to consult a professional for personalized advice.

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At Arcana Herbs Shop (Chicago – Chinatown), every formula is handcrafted with care, using time-honored traditions and natural ingredients. You can also order herbs( HERE)

Want more tips? Discover how Traditional Chinese Medicine can naturally support emotional balance in Ask a TCM Doctor archive.

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