Excessive Sweating: Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions for Relief

Abnormal sweating

Hello, Dr.
Lin! Since I was young, I have excessively sweated whenever I exercise, as if I just came out of the water.
Even a little sun exposure causes me to sweat continuously, and I sweat a lot even when dancing in winter.
I often wake up in the morning drenched in sweat.
My father seems to sweat a lot too, so I think it might be related to my constitution.
Could you please advise me on any methods to improve this condition? (For example, are there specific foods I should eat or certain herbal soups I should drink?) Thank you for taking the time to respond!

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/30

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Anonymous / 19 years old / Female,
Hello,
1.
You sweat a lot, which may be related to your individual constitution.
Sweating is associated with the sympathetic nervous system and the activity of sweat glands.
If you sweat excessively during exercise or sun exposure, it could be due to a higher number of sweat glands and more easily opened sweat pores, combined with an easily excitable sympathetic nervous system.
As long as you can live normally, there is no need to be overly concerned.
However, it's important to stay hydrated and maintain the balance of electrolytes in your body.
Drinking sports drinks, vegetable soup, and milk can help.
2.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), your constitution is classified as warm-heat and Yang deficiency, with an unstable defensive Qi.
To reduce sweating at night, consider opening windows to lower the room temperature and avoid stress to decrease sympathetic nervous system activity.
You might consider using a significant amount of Astragalus (Huang Qi) to tonify Qi and stabilize the exterior, or a formula like Gui Zhi Tang to harmonize the Ying and Wei, or Yin-nourishing herbs to improve the condition of unstable Wei and excessive sweating.
However, it is best to consult a physician.
3.
Reducing mental stress and maintaining a regular daily routine is important.
Avoid excessive consumption of spicy foods, coffee, and stimulating substances.
You may also seek TCM diagnosis and treatment to address excessive sweating.
Wishing you well,
Dr.
Lin Ching-Chung,
Director of the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Feng Yuan Hospital,
Associate Professor, General Education Center, Chung Tai University of Technology.

Reply Date: 2015/12/30

More Info

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can be a challenging condition for many individuals, particularly when it is linked to one's genetic predisposition, as you mentioned in your case. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers various approaches to manage and alleviate this condition, focusing on the balance of the body's internal systems.

In TCM, excessive sweating can be attributed to several factors, including an imbalance of Yin and Yang, heat accumulation in the body, or deficiencies in certain organ systems, particularly the Spleen and Kidney. Given that your family history suggests a possible genetic component, it is essential to consider both your constitutional factors and any lifestyle influences that may exacerbate the sweating.

Dietary Recommendations
1. Cooling Foods: Incorporate foods that have cooling properties to help reduce internal heat. These include:
- Cucumbers: Known for their hydrating and cooling effects.

- Watermelon: Helps to cool the body and is high in water content.

- Green Leafy Vegetables: Such as spinach and lettuce, which can help balance body heat.

- Mung Beans: Often used in TCM for their cooling properties and ability to clear heat.

2. Avoid Heat-Inducing Foods: Limit the intake of spicy, fried, and overly processed foods, as these can exacerbate sweating. Foods like garlic, onions, and chili peppers can increase internal heat.

3. Herbal Teas: Consider drinking herbal teas that are known for their cooling effects. For example:
- Chrysanthemum Tea: Often used to clear heat and improve overall body temperature regulation.

- Lotus Leaf Tea: Believed to help with excessive sweating and has a cooling effect.

Herbal Remedies
In TCM, specific herbal formulas can be prescribed based on your individual constitution and symptoms. Some commonly used herbs for managing excessive sweating include:
- Huang Qi (Astragalus Root): Known for its ability to strengthen the body's defenses and regulate sweating.

- Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala): Often used to strengthen the Spleen and reduce excessive sweating.

- Fu Ling (Poria): Helps to drain dampness and can be beneficial for those with a tendency to sweat excessively.

Acupuncture and Tui Na
Acupuncture can also be an effective treatment for excessive sweating. By targeting specific acupuncture points, a practitioner can help balance the body's energy and reduce sweating. Tui Na, a form of Chinese therapeutic massage, may also help in regulating the body's functions and improving circulation.

Lifestyle Adjustments
1. Stress Management: Since emotional stress can trigger excessive sweating, practices such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi can be beneficial in managing stress levels.

2. Regular Exercise: While it may seem counterintuitive, regular, moderate exercise can help regulate your body's temperature and improve overall health, potentially reducing the severity of sweating episodes over time.

3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to regulate body temperature and can mitigate the effects of sweating.

Conclusion
It is advisable to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner who can provide a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. They can assess your overall health, lifestyle, and any underlying imbalances contributing to your excessive sweating. With the right approach, including dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle adjustments, you can find relief from this condition and improve your quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help with Excessive Foot Sweating?

Hello Doctor: In recent years, I have been experiencing increasingly severe sweating in my feet, mostly during the day. Even when I am sitting still in an air-conditioned room, I still sweat profusely, and the odor is quite unpleasant. Could this mild condition be improved or cur...

Dr. Zhuang Yihui reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hyperhidrosis can be simply categorized in Traditional Chinese Medicine into two types: "white sweat" and "night sweat." "White sweat" occurs due to Yang deficiency (excessive sweating during the day), which is primarily treated with Yu Ping Feng San...

Overcoming Heat Sensitivity: Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions

I am very sensitive to heat... sometimes I have to blast the fan even in autumn... as soon as the weather gets a little warmer, I start sweating profusely... feeling irritable and unable to sleep. Can traditional Chinese medicine help adjust my heat sensitivity? I am male.

Dr. Lin Huanquan reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
I believe your constitution tends to be on the dry and heat side. You can use heat-clearing and summer-heat-relieving medications such as Qingxin Lianzi Decoction, Qingshu Yiqi Decoction, Zhuye Shigao Decoction, and Tianwang Buxin Decoction, which can have a significant effect on...

Managing Excess Dampness in the Body: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights

Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited a nearby traditional Chinese medicine clinic to address my body's excessive dampness, facial oiliness, and scalp health. The doctor prescribed the following formulas: - Ganlu Xiaodu Dan 3g - Zhuye Shigao Tang 3g - Jingjie Lianqiao Tang 3g...

Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, A-Zheng. I have listed the main effects of various herbal formulas for you as follows: they primarily clear heat from the lungs, stomach, and kidneys, while also nourishing yin, moistening dryness, cooling the blood, and nourishing the blood. In simpler terms, this means r...

Understanding Fatigue and Discomfort: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Hello, Doctor! As a student in the information technology field, I spend most of my time working in front of a computer. However, over the past two weeks, I have frequently experienced sudden fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and a feeling of pressure in my chest around two or three ...

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello Chris, 1. As a student in the information technology field, sitting in front of the computer for extended periods can lead to symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome, including chest tightness, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and pain in the arms and wrists. These issues, a...