Head Heat Sensationaccording to TCM

What is Head Heat Sensation?

Head heat sensation describes a condition where individuals feel an unusual warmth or heat emanating from their head, distinct from the body's normal temperature fluctuations. This sensation can manifest as a feeling of heat washing over the head, a sudden onset of warmth, or a persistent feeling of being overheated in the cranial region. It's not merely about the external temperature but an internal sensation that can be both puzzling and discomforting for those experiencing it.

How Does TCM View Head Heat Sensation?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the concept of a 'pattern' is fundamental to diagnosis and treatment. A pattern is a comprehensive snapshot of a person's disharmony or imbalance at a given time. It reflects not just a specific symptom but a complex and dynamic interplay of all symptoms, signs, and emotional states.

Identifying patterns is essential because it allows practitioners to tailor treatments to the individual, addressing the root causes of symptoms rather than just the symptoms themselves. This holistic approach is what sets TCM apart, ensuring that the treatment is as unique as the individual's experience of their condition.

Root Causes of Head Heat Sensation in TCM

In TCM, head heat sensation is often linked to several patterns of imbalance. Yang Excess, particularly Liver Yang Rising, is a common cause, characterized by symptoms such as hypertension, headaches, and a feeling of heat rushing to the head.

Wind, another significant factor, involves the disturbance of the body's natural defenses, leading to internal movement of Heat. These patterns highlight the complexity of TCM diagnostics, which considers emotional, environmental, and physiological factors.

Explore below more details about what might cause Head heat sensation according to TCM.

Yang Excess

Yang Excess in TCM refers to a state where there is an overabundance of Yang energy, leading to symptoms of heat and hyperactivity in the body. This pattern of disharmony often arises from factors like stress, excessive physical activity, overconsumption of spicy or heating foods, or an internal imbalance that causes Yang to flare up. Symptoms of Yang Excess include a feeling of heat, red face, irritability, restlessness, thirst, constipation, and a rapid, forceful pulse. Treatment in TCM for Yang Excess aims to cool down and subdue the excessive Yang while nurturing Yin energy to restore balance.... see more

Yang Excess Patterns That Can Lead to Head Heat Sensation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising	Feeling of heat rushing to the head, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more	Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

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 Head Heat Sensation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising	Feeling of heat rushing to the head, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more	Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Head Heat Sensation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising	Feeling of heat rushing to the head, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more	Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

TCM Herbal Formulas for Head Heat Sensation

Addressing head heat sensation in TCM involves using specific herbs and formulas tailored to counteract the identified imbalances. For Yang Excess and Liver Yang Rising, Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is often recommended.

This formula combines herbs like Gastrodia Rhizomes (Tian Ma) to pacify Liver Wind and subdue Yang, providing a cooling effect to counteract the sensation of heat. The choice of formula is personalized, taking into account the unique pattern of disharmony in each individual.

See more details below about Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, a herbal formula used to address head heat sensation.

Top Formula for Yang Excess:
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

Suitable for Yang Excess patterns that may cause head heat sensation, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

Learn more

Top Formula for Wind:
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause head heat sensation, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

Learn more

Acupoints for Head Heat Sensation

TCM also utilizes acupuncture to treat head heat sensation, targeting specific acupoints that correspond to the underlying imbalances. Points along the Bladder Channel, such as BL-56 (Chengjin) and BL-60 (Kunlun), are selected for their efficacy in clearing Heat, pacifying internal Wind, and restoring balance between Yin and Yang energies. These acupoints are stimulated to encourage the body's natural healing processes, addressing both the symptoms and the root cause of head heat sensation.

Explore below some acupoints used to address head heat sensation, organized by meridian.

Chengjin BL-56

5 cun inferior to Weizhong BL-40 which is the midpoint of the popliteal crease. In the center of the belly of gastrocnemius muscle, midway between Heyang BL-55 and Chengshan BL-57.

Kunlun BL-60

In the depression between the tip of the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon.

Pucan BL-61

Posterior and inferior to the external malleolus, directly below Kunlun BL-60, in the depression of the calcaneum at the junction of the red and white skin.