Heat Strokeaccording to TCM
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Symptom families: Temperature-Related Conditions, Fever and Temperature-Related Conditions
Did you mean? Summer Heat Stroke Heat Stroke
What is Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke, also known as heatstroke or sunstroke, is a severe condition caused by the body’s inability to regulate its temperature in extreme heat. When exposed to high temperatures, especially with high humidity, the body's cooling mechanisms, such as sweating, become overwhelmed. This can lead to a rapid rise in body temperature, potentially causing damage to the brain and other vital organs. Symptoms include a high body temperature (above 104°F or 40°C), confusion, altered mental state, rapid breathing, and a lack of sweating despite the heat.
How Does TCM View Heat Stroke?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), heat stroke is viewed through the lens of internal imbalances and disharmony. Unlike Western medicine, which focuses on the immediate physiological responses to heat, TCM considers various patterns of disharmony that may lead to the condition.
Identifying the correct pattern is crucial for effective treatment. Heat stroke in TCM can be caused by the invasion of external pathogenic factors such as Summer Heat, combined with internal imbalances such as Qi Deficiency or Dampness.
Causes of Heat Stroke According to TCM
One of the primary causes of heat stroke in TCM is the pattern known as Summer Heat Evil with Dampness. This condition arises when excessive heat combines with high humidity, leading to symptoms such as heavy sweating, thirst, irritability, and a feeling of heaviness. The heat disrupts the body's normal functions, while dampness obstructs the flow of Qi and Body Fluids, exacerbating the symptoms.
Another common pattern is Summer Heat with Heat Stagnation in the Liver and Gallbladder. This pattern is characterized by a combination of intense heat and internal heat accumulation, leading to symptoms like high fever, restlessness, and a red face. The stagnation of heat in the liver and gallbladder disrupts the body's ability to cool down, leading to more severe manifestations of heat stroke.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Heat Stroke
In TCM, the treatment of heat stroke depends on the underlying pattern. For Summer Heat with Dampness, formulas like Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin, which contains Talc (Hua Shi), are often recommended. Talc is known for its sweet and cold properties, helping to clear heat and resolve dampness.
For patterns such as Summer Heat with Heat Stagnation in the Liver and Gallbladder, formulas like Bi Yu San are used. This formula also includes Talc (Hua Shi) as a key herb, aiding in the treatment by clearing heat and relieving stagnation. Another common formula for addressing Summer-Heat and Damp-Heat in the Bladder is Liu Yi San, which similarly uses Talc (Hua Shi).
When Summer-Heat has led to a Deficiency of Qi, formulas like Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang, with American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen), are utilized to augment Qi while clearing Heat. For more severe cases where Heat has penetrated the pericardium and caused Phlegm Fire, formulas like Zhi Bao Dan, which includes Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), are recommended to clear heat and open sensory orifices.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address heat stroke, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and facilitate resolution of dampness
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and augment qi
- Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and clear heat
Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and facilitate resolution of Dampness
Heat stroke can be treated by these formulas when the symptom is caused by summer heat combined with dampness accumulation, requiring actions that both cool and resolve dampness.
One such formula is Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin, with talc as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dispel summer-Heat and facilitate resolution of dampness" recommended for heat stroke
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin | Talc (Hua Shi) |
| Bi Yu San | Talc (Hua Shi) |
| Liu Yi San | Talc (Hua Shi) |
Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and augment Qi
Heat stroke can be treated by these formulas when there's a combination of weakened vital energy and the effects of summer heat, requiring both cooling and energy boosting.
One such formula is Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang, with american ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices
Heat stroke can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices if it is due to heat causing disturbances in sensory functions.
One such formula is Zhi Bao Dan, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and clear Heat
Heat stroke can be treated by these formulas in situations where the body is affected by both the oppressive summer heat and an internal heat excess, needing cooling and heat-clearing actions.
One such formula is Qing Luo Yin, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
Acupoints for Heat Stroke
Acupuncture plays a significant role in TCM treatment for heat stroke. Specific acupoints are targeted to clear heat, restore balance, and alleviate symptoms. One such point is Weizhong (BL-40) located at the midpoint of the popliteal crease. This point is known for its ability to cool the Blood, clear Summer Heat, and relieve lower back pain.
Another important set of acupoints is Shixuan (EX-UE-11), found on the tips of the ten fingers. These points are crucial for clearing Heat, pacifying Interior Wind, and restoring consciousness, making them particularly useful in acute cases of Heat stroke where immediate relief is needed.
In summary, TCM provides a comprehensive approach to understanding and treating heat stroke by addressing the underlying patterns of disharmony and utilizing a combination of herbal formulas and acupuncture to restore balance and health.
Explore below some acupoints used to address heat stroke, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
- Extra Points: Upper Extremities (EX-UE)
Weizhong BL-40
At the midpoint of the popliteal crease, between the tendons of biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscle.
TCM Herbs for Heat Stroke
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address heat stroke, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that cool the blood
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Heat stroke can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Lotus Leaves (He Ye), a key herb in some formulas recommended for heat stroke, like Qing Luo Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for heat stroke
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Lotus Leaves (He Ye) | Qing Luo Yin |
| Watermelons (Xi Gua) | Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang |
| Lotus Stems (He Geng) | Not applicable |
| Tamarind Fruits (Suan Jiao) | Not applicable |
| Calcitum (Han Shui Shi) | Not applicable |
| Lotus Leaf Calyxes (He Ye Di) | Not applicable |
| Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Heat stroke can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for heat stroke, like Qing Luo Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for heat stroke
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) | Qing Luo Yin |
| Gotu Kola Herbs (Ji Xue Cao) | Not applicable |
| Chinese White Olives (Qing Guo) | Not applicable |
| Natural Indigo (Qing Dai) | Not applicable |
| Pu'er Tea (Pu er Cha) | Not applicable |
| Wax Gourd (Dong Gua) | Not applicable |
Herbs that open the Orifices
Heat stroke can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Musk (She Xiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for heat stroke, like Zhi Bao Dan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that open the Orifices" recommended for heat stroke
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Musk (She Xiang) | Zhi Bao Dan |
| Borneol (Bing Pian) | Not applicable |
| Camphor (Zhang Nao) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Heat stroke can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for heat stroke, like Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for heat stroke
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen) | Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang |
| Ginseng Leaves (Ren Shen Ye) | Not applicable |
| Hyacinth Beans (Bai Bian Dou) | Not applicable |
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Heat stroke can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Flowering Quince (Mu Gua), which is directly recommended for heat stroke.
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
Heat stroke can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.
One such herb is Shiral Leaves (Bu Zha Ye), which is directly recommended for heat stroke.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Heat stroke can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Eupatorium Herbs (Pei Lan), which is directly recommended for heat stroke.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Heat stroke can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Talc (Hua Shi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for heat stroke, like Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Heat stroke can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for heat stroke, like Zhi Bao Dan.