Hot Skinaccording to TCM

What is Hot Skin?

Hot skin refers to a condition where the skin feels unusually warm to the touch. This sensation can be localized to specific areas or affect the entire body. It is often associated with various underlying conditions such as infections, inflammation, or other systemic issues that elevate skin temperature. In medical terms, this can manifest as a symptom of fever, localized infections, or inflammatory conditions. Recognizing and understanding the underlying causes of hot skin is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

How does TCM view Hot Skin?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hot skin is considered a manifestation of internal Heat. Unlike Western medicine, which may attribute hot skin to specific infections or inflammatory responses, TCM views it as a sign of disharmony in the body's internal balance. This Heat can arise from various patterns, such as Excess Yang, Deficiency of Yin, or the presence of pathogenic Heat. Identifying the precise pattern of disharmony is essential for effective treatment, as TCM emphasizes the need to address the root cause rather than just the symptoms.

Acupoints for Hot Skin

To address hot skin, TCM practitioners often use acupuncture to help restore balance and clear heat from the body. One of the primary acupoints used is Quchi (LI-11) on the Large Intestine Channel. Located at the lateral end of the cubital crease when the elbow is flexed, Quchi is known for its ability to clear Heat, cool the Blood, resolve Dampness, and remove obstructions from the channel. By stimulating this point, practitioners aim to reduce internal heat and alleviate the symptoms associated with hot skin.

In addition to Quchi, other acupoints such as Hegu (LI-4) and Zusanli (ST-36) may also be used to support the treatment by promoting overall Qi circulation and reinforcing the body's defensive energy, thus addressing the underlying disharmony that causes hot skin.

Through a combination of targeted acupuncture and herbal treatments, TCM offers a holistic approach to managing and resolving the symptoms of hot skin, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance and promoting overall health.

See more details below about Quchi LI-11, an acupoint used to address hot skin.

Quchi LI-11

When the elbow is flexed, Quchi LI-11 is in the depression at the lateral end of the cubital crease, midway between Chize LU-5 and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.