Numb Hands and Feet… A Warning Sign? Treatable with Complementary Medicine!

Numb Hands and Feet… A Warning Sign? Treatable with Complementary Medicine!
      Numb Hands or Numb Feet are symptoms many people have experienced—sometimes just temporarily from sitting in the same position too long, but in some cases, it can recur frequently, raising concern. Often, we don’t really know what causes the numbness, and it might even be a hidden sign of an underlying condition. In this article, we’ll help you understand the causes of numbness from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Traditional Thai Medicine, along with alternative therapies that can deeply restore balance naturally.

What does numbness in hands and feet indicate?
      Numbness usually occurs when nerves or blood circulation aren’t functioning properly, disrupting the signal transmission between the brain and other parts of the body.

• In modern medicine, it may be linked to peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, spinal issues, or neurological disorders.
• But in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Traditional Thai Medicine, the causes are viewed differently, focusing on restoring the internal balance of the body.

TCM perspective: What causes numbness?
      According to TCM, numbness in hands and feet happens when Qi (energy) and blood circulation are obstructed, preventing proper nourishment of the limbs. It can be caused by :

• Qi & Blood Deficiency – Weakness, fatigue, and insufficient blood supply
• Liver Wind – Internal imbalance causing wind-like movement in the body
• Phlegm-Heat – Heat and phlegm blocking energy pathways
• Wind-Phlegm Obstruction – Stagnation of Qi disrupting circulation

TCM treatments include :

• Acupuncture – Stimulates meridians to improve Qi and blood flow
• Tui Na Massage – Relaxes muscles and clears blocked pathways
• Chinese herbal medicine – Nourishes blood and balances energy

Traditional Thai Medicine: Numbness caused by “blocked wind”
      In Thai medicine, numbness is due to blocked wind (lom) disrupting the flow of air and blood to the limbs. It can result from sitting too long in the same position or body imbalances.
Thai treatments include :

• Traditional Thai massage / Herbal compress massage – Releases blocked wind and nerve tension
• Herbal steam / Herbal soak – Opens pores, improves circulation
• Herbal remedies – Restore balance of wind and blood

Why alternative medicine helps relieve numbness
      Alternative therapies like TCM and Thai Medicine focus on restoring internal balance, improving nerve function and blood circulation naturally—without harsh chemicals. It’s suitable for mild numbness or as a complementary treatment alongside modern medicine.
      Numbness in your hands or feet may seem minor, but it’s a sign your body is out of balance. Alternative medicine such as acupuncture, Thai massage, or herbal therapies can help restore balance, improve circulation, and relieve numbness naturally.If you’re looking for holistic care, consult our specialists at Chiang Mai Hospital. Our Integrative Medicine Department combines TCM and Thai Medicine, offering treatments like acupuncture, cupping, womb massage, herbal steam, and more—safe, chemical-free, and naturally healing. Open Monday–Saturday | 8.00 AM–4.00 PM

Article by Dr. Pakpoom Pisuttivong (TCM Doctor) & Dr. Natasha Klampakorn (Thai Traditional Medicine Specialist)


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