Heat Sensitivity: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Become very heat-sensitive?

Hello Dr.
Yan, I have a somewhat unusual question.
It seems to have started last summer.

1.
During the summer, when I am exposed to the sun for more than ten minutes, I often experience dizziness, weakness, nausea, slight headaches, elevated blood pressure, and increased heart rate, even when the temperature is only 25 degrees Celsius.
The headache can sometimes be located at the back of my head or at the temples.

2.
When I return home and only use a fan, the symptoms may persist for four to five hours before easing.
However, if I turn on the air conditioning, the recovery time is quicker.
Yet, I still feel weak and fatigued the next day, and it’s best to avoid sun exposure again, or the cycle repeats.

3.
My tongue always appears white and greasy.
Additionally, unless the weather is very dry, I often feel sticky all over and have dry mouth.
By the way, I used to have a constitution that was not sensitive to temperature changes, but now it has changed.
I want to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, but I wanted to first seek your opinion, Dr.
Yan.
Thank you for taking the time to clarify my concerns.

Mr. Zhang, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/10

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Hello Mr.
Zhang,
Originally, you had a constitution that was not sensitive to temperature changes, but now you find yourself more intolerant to heat.
Indeed, it is common for some individuals, as they age, to experience changes in their constitution.
It is possible that your constitution is shifting towards a pattern of Yin deficiency with excess Yang heat, which could explain your increasing sensitivity to heat.
To understand your actual condition, a pulse diagnosis and consultation would be necessary.
If you wish to adjust your constitution, it would be advisable to consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.

Best regards,
Yen Su-Mei,
Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2020/06/10

More Info

Understanding heat sensitivity, particularly in the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves a multifaceted approach that considers both physical symptoms and underlying imbalances in the body. Your symptoms, which include dizziness, weakness, nausea, headaches, elevated blood pressure, and increased heart rate when exposed to heat, suggest a possible disruption in your body's ability to regulate temperature and manage stressors effectively.

In TCM, the body is viewed as a system of interconnected organs and energies. The symptoms you describe could be indicative of a condition known as "Yin Deficiency," where the body's cooling and nourishing energies are insufficient to counterbalance the heat generated by external factors or internal stress. This imbalance can lead to a range of symptoms, including those you are experiencing, such as headaches and feelings of weakness.

1. Heat Sensitivity and Symptoms: The fact that you feel dizzy and weak after sun exposure, even at moderate temperatures, suggests that your body may be reacting to heat in a way that is not typical. In TCM, this could be associated with an excess of Yang energy or a deficiency of Yin. Yang represents heat and activity, while Yin represents coolness and rest. When Yin is deficient, the body may struggle to cool itself, leading to symptoms like headaches (often in the back of the head or temples), which can be exacerbated by heat.

2. Environmental Factors: Your observation that using a fan prolongs your symptoms while air conditioning helps alleviate them more quickly is also telling. Air conditioning provides a more significant cooling effect, which may help restore balance to your body's internal environment. In TCM, this aligns with the idea that external heat can exacerbate internal imbalances, and finding ways to cool the body can be crucial for recovery.

3. Tongue and Body Symptoms: The presence of a white, greasy coating on your tongue is another important diagnostic tool in TCM. This can indicate dampness in the body, which may contribute to feelings of heaviness and lethargy. The sensation of being sticky or clammy, unless in dry conditions, further supports the idea of dampness affecting your overall health. This could be a sign of Spleen Qi deficiency, where the Spleen is unable to transform and transport fluids effectively, leading to an accumulation of dampness.

4. Lifestyle Considerations: Given your symptoms, it would be advisable to consider lifestyle adjustments. Staying hydrated, avoiding excessive heat exposure, and incorporating cooling foods into your diet (such as cucumbers, watermelon, and green leafy vegetables) may help. Additionally, practices such as Tai Chi or Qi Gong can help regulate your body's energy and improve your overall balance.

5. Seeking TCM Treatment: Consulting with a qualified TCM practitioner could provide you with a tailored treatment plan that may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary recommendations. The practitioner will assess your overall health, including your pulse and tongue, to determine the best course of action for restoring balance to your body.

In summary, your symptoms reflect a complex interplay of heat sensitivity, potential Yin deficiency, and dampness accumulation. By addressing these issues through TCM principles, you may find relief and a return to your previous state of health. It is essential to listen to your body and seek professional guidance to navigate these changes effectively.

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