Can blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs treat limb numbness?

Feb 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
Numbness in the limbs can also be caused by other factors, such as neuropathy or medication side effects. Nerve conduction blockage or damage resulting from conditions like cervical spondylosis or lumbar disc herniation, as well as numbness in the limbs caused by certain antiepileptic drugs or chemotherapeutic agents as side effects, may not be directly treated by blood-activating and stasis-resolving medications in these situations.

    Blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs are usually effective for limb numbness caused by poor blood circulation. However, if the numbness is caused by other factors such as neuropathy or medication side effects, these herbs generally cannot provide treatment. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician.

    Limb numbness may sometimes be caused by impaired blood circulation, such as prolonged maintenance of a single posture leading to local circulatory disturbance, or minor injuries causing localized bruising. In such cases, blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs can help improve blood circulation, remove localized bruising, and alleviate and treat the symptoms of limb numbness.

    Limb numbness may also result from other causes such as nerve disorders or medication side effects. Nerve conduction blockage or damage caused by cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, certain anti-epileptic drugs, or chemotherapy medications may lead to limb numbness as a side effect. In these cases, blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs generally cannot directly treat limb numbness because the underlying cause is not directly related to poor blood circulation or bruising.

    In daily life, it is recommended to use medications under a physician's guidance. In addition to pharmacological treatment, acupuncture, physical therapy, rehabilitation massage, and other methods may also be employed to promote blood circulation and recovery, thereby improving symptoms of limb discomfort.