Your Sweat Problem Could Be a Sign – TCM Knows Why!

Understanding Excessive Sweating and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, occurs when the body produces more sweat than necessary to regulate temperature. It’s not just a physical issue – it can affect our well-being, self-confidence, and daily life.

Why do we sweat? Natural function or alarm signal?

Sweat is a natural cooling mechanism for the body. But when its production gets out of control, it’s worth pausing and asking: what is your body trying to tell you? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), excessive sweating is seen as a sign of internal imbalance.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Sweat

TCM views the body holistically – the mind, body, and emotions are closely connected. Sweating is not just a physical symptom, but a reflection of the energy balance within the body.

Yin and Yang Balance and Sweating

Everything in our body follows the balance of Yin and Yang. If Yin (cooling and moistening) is too weak, or Yang (heating and active) is too strong, excessive sweating will occur.

The Role of Organs in TCM – Heart, Spleen, and Kidneys

In TCM, the heart manages sweating, the spleen holds the body’s fluids, and the kidneys control the balance of Yin and Yang. Dysfunction in any of these organs can cause issues with sweating.

Causes of Excessive Sweating According to TCM

• Qi Deficiency: When there is a lack of Qi, the body loses its ability to “close” the pores, leading to excessive sweating, especially during physical exertion.
• Yin Deficiency: When there is not enough Yin, the body “overheats,” resulting in night sweats and dry throat.
• Dampness and Heat: Dampness and heat can block the flow of energy, causing either local or generalized sweating.

How TCM Addresses Excessive Sweating

• Herbs for Sweating:
  Certain herbs are like superheroes in the fight against sweat. The most popular include:
  • Astragalus (Huang Qi) – strengthens Qi
  • Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi) – closes pores
  • Anemarrhena (Zhi Mu) – cools excess Yang
  • Epimedium (Yin Yang Huo) – supports Yang
• Acupuncture and Acupressure:
  Regular acupuncture treatments can help restore the body’s energy balance. Common points used in treating excessive sweating are LI4 (Hegu) and KD7 (Fuliu).

He Gu (LI4) and Sweating – Simple Daily Support

He Gu, also known as LI4, is a small point on your hand, right in the web between your thumb and index finger. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s known as a go-to spot for helping the body find balance. One interesting thing people notice is its connection with regulating sweating. When your energy is a bit out of sync, the body can overreact in simple ways, like sweating more than usual. A gentle massage on He Gu can help the body feel more grounded and calm.

It’s not a magic trick, but more like giving your body a small nudge to reset. Many people find that spending a minute or two pressing and rubbing this point while breathing slowly makes a noticeable difference in comfort and overall balance.

If you’re curious and want to see exactly how to massage He Gu, check out our YouTube channel. We walk you through it step by step, so even beginners can follow along. It’s quick, easy, and can become a part of your daily routine – a tiny, simple habit that helps you feel more in tune with your body – Watch Here

Home Herbal Tea Recipe for Excessive Sweating (for Qi Deficiency)

Want to act immediately? Here’s a simple recipe!

Ingredients:

• 10g Astragalus root
• 5g Dried Schisandra
• 5g Licorice root

Preparation:

• Add all herbs to 500 ml of water.
• Bring to a boil and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
• Strain and drink warm twice daily.

This tea strengthens Qi, closes the pores, and gently nourishes the body.
Astragalus:
👉 [Buy on IHerb – Here]
👉 [Buy on Allegro– Here]

Daily Habits Supporting Energy Balance

• Get enough sleep: This is when the body regenerates Qi and Yin.
• Avoid spicy foods: They increase sweating.
• Practice Tai Chi or Qi Gong: They help balance energy.
• Avoid stress: Emotions affect the heart, and the heart influences sweating.

Understanding the Emotional and Mental Aspect of Sweating in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s not just the physical body that’s addressed when dealing with excessive sweating, but also the emotional and mental state. According to TCM, our emotions have a direct impact on the internal balance of Yin and Yang. Stress, anxiety, and worry can all contribute to the imbalance in the body’s energy system, triggering symptoms like excessive sweating.

For instance, stress and anxiety can lead to an overactive Yang, which causes the body to overheat and sweat excessively. Similarly, feelings of worry and anxiety can weaken the spleen, a key organ involved in fluid retention and regulation. This can further disrupt the body’s ability to maintain balance, leading to increased perspiration.

The Connection Between Sweating and Heart Health in TCM

The heart is another crucial organ in TCM when it comes to sweating. In Chinese medicine, the heart is considered the “Emperor” of all organs, as it governs not only the blood but also the mental and emotional states. If the heart’s energy becomes imbalanced or weak, it can lead to excessive sweating, particularly in cases of anxiety or emotional distress. The excessive sweating could be a reflection of the heart’s inability to regulate energy properly, which is why treating the heart’s condition is vital for managing excessive perspiration.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Managing Sweating

Incorporating lifestyle adjustments is just as important as herbal treatments or acupuncture when it comes to managing excessive sweating. For example, regular physical activity such as walking, swimming, or light yoga can help maintain the body’s energy flow, preventing blockages that might lead to sweating. Additionally, staying hydrated with cooling teas or water infused with herbs like peppermint or chrysanthemum can help regulate internal temperature and reduce the urge to sweat excessively.

Moreover, a balanced diet that avoids overly spicy or greasy foods can be incredibly beneficial. These foods are known to trigger the body’s internal heat and exacerbate sweating. Instead, focusing on cooling foods, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and green leafy vegetables, can support the body’s natural cooling process.

Closing Thoughts on Overcoming Excessive Sweating

While excessive sweating might feel like a challenge, it is, at its core, a message from your body about an internal imbalance. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach that addresses both physical and emotional causes, providing natural and effective ways to restore balance. By combining proper diet, lifestyle adjustments, acupuncture, and herbal remedies, you can take charge of your body’s natural processes and find relief from excessive sweating.

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FAQ

Is acupuncture painful for treating sweating?
Acupuncture is generally not painful. Most people report feeling relaxed and at ease during treatments.

What is the best TCM treatment for excessive sweating?
Acupuncture, herbal teas, and lifestyle changes are some of the most effective TCM treatments for managing sweating.

Can emotional stress really cause excessive sweating?
Yes, in TCM, stress and emotional imbalance can cause an overactive Yang, leading to overheating and sweating.

How long will it take to see results with TCM treatments?
Results can vary, but many people see improvements within a few weeks of consistent treatment.

Can I use TCM treatments alongside conventional medicine for sweating?
Yes, TCM treatments can complement conventional treatments, but it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider.

You might find these articles interesting:

THE ANCIENT HEALING METHOD YOU NEED TO COMBAT STRESS AND ANXIETY

THIS 2,000-YEAR-OLD RITUAL MAY BE THE KEY TO BETTER SLEEP AND LESS STRESS

QIGONG: THE KEY TO A HEALTHIER, MORE RELAXED YOU

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