Fever Without Perspirationaccording to TCM

What is fever without perspiration?

Fever without perspiration is a condition where an individual experiences elevated body temperature without the accompanying sweating that typically helps to cool the body down. This condition can be particularly uncomfortable and concerning as it can indicate an underlying imbalance in the body's ability to regulate temperature. Known as fever without perspiration, non-sweating fever, or febrile disease without sweating, this symptom can be seen in various illnesses and conditions.

How does TCM view fever without perspiration?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fever without perspiration is viewed through the lens of patterns of disharmony. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on pathogens or infections, TCM considers imbalances in the body's energy systems. This symptom can arise from various patterns of disharmony, including disruptions in Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial for effective treatment.

Root Causes of Fever Without Perspiration in TCM

One common cause of fever without perspiration in TCM is Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency. This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as severe fever and chills without sweating, headaches, neck pain, stiff neck, painful extremities, and chest distension. The invasion of external pathogens coupled with a deficiency in Qi leads to an inability to sweat and cool the body naturally.

Another cause is Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation. This pattern presents with severe fever and chills without sweating, body pain, thirst, irritability, and symptoms related to upper respiratory tract infections or influenza. The combination of external cold and internal heat results in a blockage that prevents perspiration.

Explore below more details about what might cause Fever without perspiration according to TCM.

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Fever Without Perspiration

Common Symptoms: Body Pain Thirst Irritability Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Influenza Purulent Keratitis Viral Conjunctivitis Sinusitis

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency	Severe fever and chills without sweating, High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more	Ren Shen Bai Du San
Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation	Severe fever and chills without sweating, Fever without perspiration, Body pain, Thirst, Irritability, Upper respiratory tract infections, Influenza, Purulent keratitis, Viral conjunctivitis, Sinusitis, Bronchial asthma... see more	Da Qing Long Tang

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Fever Without Perspiration

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency	Severe fever and chills without sweating, High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more	Ren Shen Bai Du San

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Fever Without Perspiration

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation	Severe fever and chills without sweating, Fever without perspiration, Body pain, Thirst, Irritability, Upper respiratory tract infections, Influenza, Purulent keratitis, Viral conjunctivitis, Sinusitis, Bronchial asthma... see more	Da Qing Long Tang

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Fever Without Perspiration

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency	Severe fever and chills without sweating, High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more	Ren Shen Bai Du San

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Fever Without Perspiration

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency	Severe fever and chills without sweating, High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more	Ren Shen Bai Du San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Fever Without Perspiration

For Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency, the formula Ren Shen Bai Du San is recommended. This formula includes Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) and helps to release the exterior, alleviate pain, and promote sweating.

For Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation, Da Qing Long Tang is often used. This formula features Ephedra (Ma Huang) and works to clear wind-cold, reduce fever, and resolve internal heat, facilitating the body's ability to sweat.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address fever without perspiration, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Cold:
Da Qing Long Tang

Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause fever without perspiration, such as Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation

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All Formulas Recommended for Fever Without Perspiration Caused by Cold

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Da Qing Long Tang	Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation
Ren Shen Bai Du San	Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency

Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Ren Shen Bai Du San

Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause fever without perspiration, such as Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency

Learn more

Top Formula for Heat:
Da Qing Long Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause fever without perspiration, such as Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation

Learn more

Top Formula for Wind:
Ren Shen Bai Du San

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause fever without perspiration, such as Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency

Learn more

Top Formula for Dampness:
Ren Shen Bai Du San

Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause fever without perspiration, such as Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency

Learn more

Acupoints for Fever Without Perspiration

In TCM, acupuncture can be a powerful tool to address fever without perspiration. For instance, Jingqu LU-8, located 1 cun proximal to the wrist crease on the radial side of the radial artery, is commonly used. This point helps to descend Lung Qi and promote sweating.

By addressing the specific patterns of disharmony through herbs, formulas, and acupuncture, TCM offers a comprehensive approach to managing fever without perspiration, aiming to restore balance and promote natural healing.

See more details below about Jingqu LU-8, an acupoint used to address fever without perspiration.

Jingqu LU-8

1 cun proximal to the wrist crease (wrist joint space), in the depression on the radial side of the radial artery.