What is locked-in syndrome called in Chinese medicine?

Locked-in syndrome is called "paralysis" or "closed syndrome" in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a disease characterized by limb paralysis and clear consciousness. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that its cause is mostly related to blood stasis, meridian blockage, and organ dysfunction. Treatment should start with dredging meridians and regulating blood, combining acupuncture, Chinese medicine, massage and other methods.

1. Qi and blood stasis

Stagnation of Qi and blood is one of the important causes of locked-in syndrome. Long-term emotional distress, trauma or chronic diseases can lead to poor circulation of Qi and blood, which in turn causes limb paralysis. Traditional Chinese medicine often uses blood-activating and blood-dissolving drugs, such as Danshen, Chuanxiong, and Safflower, to promote the circulation of Qi and blood. Acupuncture points are mainly Zusanli, Hegu, and Quchi to help dredge the meridians.

2. Blockage of meridians

Meridians are channels for the circulation of qi and blood. If the meridians are blocked, the function of the limbs will be limited. Traditional Chinese medicine uses massage and cupping to dredge the meridians. Commonly used acupoints include Jianjing, Fengchi, Weizhong, etc. At the same time, traditional Chinese medicine such as cinnamon twig, Qianghuo, and Duhuo can be used to warm the meridians and improve the ability of limbs to move.

3. Dysfunction of internal organs

Locked-in syndrome is closely related to dysfunction of the heart, liver, spleen, kidney and other internal organs. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes overall conditioning and often uses Chinese medicine that nourishes the internal organs, such as astragalus, codonopsis, and rehmannia, to enhance body functions. In terms of diet, you can eat more ingredients such as yam, red dates, and wolfberry to help regulate the internal organs.

4. Acupuncture and massage

Acupuncture is an important method for treating locked-in syndrome. Commonly used acupuncture points include Baihui, Fengfu, Yanglingquan, etc., which help restore nerve function. Tuina promotes local blood circulation and relieves muscle stiffness through manual massage. The combination of the two can significantly improve symptoms.

5. Chinese medicine conditioning

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment of locked-in syndrome focuses on syndrome differentiation and treatment. For qi and blood deficiency, Bazhen Decoction can be used; for phlegm and dampness blockage, Erchen Decoction can be used; for liver and kidney yin deficiency, Liuwei Dihuang Pills can be used. Specific medication should be used under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

The treatment of locked-in syndrome requires the comprehensive use of various methods of traditional Chinese medicine, starting from dredging meridians, regulating qi and blood, and nourishing internal organs, combined with acupuncture, massage, Chinese medicine and other means to gradually restore limb function. Patients should actively cooperate with treatment, maintain a good attitude, and pay attention to diet conditioning to promote recovery.