Muscle Rigidity and Eye Bags: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights

Muscle stiffness, dark circles under the eyes, leg cramps at night, and excessive sweating in the hands and feet?

Recently, when I press my face with my hand, I notice that it takes a long time for the skin to bounce back, and the speed is very slow.
The same goes for the muscles in my hands; when I press them, white marks appear, but it also takes a while for them to return to normal! When I am awake, even a little bit of fatigue causes noticeable dark circles under my eyes, which appear purple, and my hands and feet sweat excessively! During the time just before sleep and shortly after waking up, my legs, from the thighs to the calves, feel extremely sore! I previously suspected it might be a kidney issue and have consulted Western medicine, but the doctors said my kidney function is normal! I regularly check my liver function and have had ultrasounds, all of which are normal! Doctor, from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, does this indicate poor kidney health? Recently, I have tried consuming red bean and job's tears (unsweetened); is this advisable? Also, do I have a condition of deficiency and coldness? Should I avoid cold foods? Thank you.

Xiao Miao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/06/21

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

1.
Muscle stiffness with indentation upon pressure may indicate edema; in your case, it should be considered as functional edema rather than pathological edema.
Functional edema can occur, for example, during air travel, but pathological examinations show no significant findings.
Sometimes, hypothyroidism should also be considered.
2.
Consuming red beans and coix seeds to reduce moisture and dampness is a viable option.
3.
Deficiency cold is characterized by weakness and sensitivity to cold, with weak pulses and cold extremities; your condition is classified as cold-damp.
4.
It is advisable to consult a qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for warming yang and diuretic herbs.
Finally, wishing you well, Dr.
Lin Ching-Chung, Director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Fengyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2005/06/21

More Info

Your concerns regarding muscle rigidity, eye bags, and the associated symptoms you've described are quite complex and warrant a multifaceted approach, especially from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
From a TCM standpoint, symptoms such as slow skin elasticity, muscle rigidity, and the presence of dark circles under the eyes can be indicative of underlying imbalances in the body. In TCM, the kidneys are often viewed as the source of vitality and energy (Qi), and they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the skin and muscles. The symptoms you describe, including the sluggishness of your skin to return to its original state after being pressed, could suggest a deficiency in kidney Qi or Yin.
The appearance of purple eye bags, particularly when associated with fatigue, may also point towards stagnation of blood or Qi in the body. In TCM, when Qi is not flowing smoothly, it can lead to blood stagnation, which may manifest as dark circles or puffiness under the eyes. Additionally, excessive sweating in the hands and feet could be related to an imbalance in the body's internal temperature regulation, often linked to kidney function in TCM.

Regarding your inquiry about whether you have "虚寒症" (Xu Han Zheng, or deficiency-cold syndrome), this condition is characterized by symptoms such as cold intolerance, fatigue, and a tendency to feel cold. If your symptoms include a feeling of coldness, especially in the extremities, and if you find that you feel better with warmth, it could suggest a deficiency-cold condition. In such cases, it is generally advised to limit the intake of cold or raw foods, as they can exacerbate these symptoms.

As for your question about consuming red bean and barley (红豆薏米), this combination is often used in TCM to promote diuresis and reduce swelling. It is considered beneficial for clearing heat and dampness from the body, which can help with conditions like edema. However, if you suspect that your condition is related to kidney deficiency, it may be wise to consult with a TCM practitioner who can provide personalized dietary recommendations based on your specific constitution and symptoms.

In summary, while your kidney function appears normal according to Western medicine, TCM may interpret your symptoms differently, focusing on the balance of Qi and blood. It would be beneficial to seek a consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner who can assess your condition holistically and recommend appropriate herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments to help restore balance.
In the meantime, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and ensuring adequate rest can also support your overall well-being. If symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation by a healthcare professional is advisable to rule out any underlying conditions.

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