In Chinese medicine, epilepsy is described as a disorder of “wind” and “phlegm” obstructing the channels of the heart, liver, and kidneys. Seizures result when internal wind, phlegm, or fire rise suddenly, disturbing the mind and blocking normal circulation of energy. Treatment focuses on calming wind, transforming phlegm, clearing fire, and strengthening vital organs to prevent recurrence.
Wind–Sputum (Phlegm with Internal Wind)
Common Signs
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Recurrent seizures or convulsions
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Seizures with sudden fainting, lockjaw, or stiff tongue
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Eyes fixed upward or loss of bladder/bowel control
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Seizures preceded by dizziness, headache, or chest fullness
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Clear sputum with bubbles or sputum sounds in the throat
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Numbness of limbs or body stiffness
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Dry mouth and eyes after attacks
Treatment Principle
Expel wind, resolve phlegm, calm the spirit, and stop seizures.
Herbal Formulas: Ding-Xian-Wan or Xie-Gan-An-Shen-Wan
Helpful Foods: Peppermint, spearmint, sweet basil, celery, coconut meat, green onion, asparagus, bamboo shoot, date, mustard leaf, mustard seed, black and white pepper, fresh ginger, crown daisy
Sputum–Fire (Phlegm with Heat)
Common Signs
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Seizures with loud cries, convulsions, or fainting
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Thick sputum difficult to expel
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Insomnia, irritability, or jumpiness
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Constipation or bitter taste in the mouth
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Dry throat or burning sensations
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Dizziness or ringing in the ears
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Episodes followed by exhaustion
Treatment Principle
Clear liver heat, transform phlegm, sedate fire, and open the sensory orifices.
Herbal Formulas: Long-Dan-Xie-Gan-Tang with Tiao-Tan-Tang
Helpful Foods: Salt, cattail, agar, radish, bamboo shoot, crown daisy, date, fresh ginger, mustard leaf, black and white pepper, mustard seed, asparagus, pear
Heart–Kidney Yang Deficiency
Common Signs
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Long-standing epilepsy with gradual decline
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Palpitations or chest pain
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Forgetfulness and unclear speech
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Nervousness or fright easily triggered
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Poor appetite or chronic fatigue
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Frequent urination or edema
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Loose, watery stools
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Cold hands and feet
Treatment Principle
Warm and strengthen heart and kidney yang, support the spleen, and transform phlegm.
Herbal Formulas: He-Che-Wan or Da-Bu-Yuan-Jian with Liu-Jun-Zi-Tang
Helpful Foods: Dried ginger, cinnamon, wheat, water spinach, kidney, star anise, red and black date, lobster, sardine, shrimp, sparrow, clove, dill seed, fennel, pistachio nut, sparrow egg, crab apple, raspberry, walnut
Epilepsy in Chinese medicine arises when wind, phlegm, and fire disturb the balance between the heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys.
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Wind–Sputum causes frequent, forceful seizures.
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Sputum–Fire involves heat, restlessness, and convulsions with thick sputum.
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Heart–Kidney Yang Deficiency develops from long-term weakness and cold.
Balancing these systems—by clearing heat, drying phlegm, calming wind, and strengthening the body—helps restore stable energy flow and prevent seizure recurrence.