Nighttime Feveraccording to TCM

What is nighttime fever?

Nighttime fever, also known as fever at night or night fever, refers to a condition where an individual's body temperature rises during the night. This symptom can vary in intensity and is often indicative of underlying health issues that may require attention. Nighttime fever is a specific type of fever that occurs primarily during the evening and night hours, causing discomfort and potentially disrupting sleep. It can be a standalone issue or part of a broader set of symptoms linked to various medical conditions.

How does TCM view nighttime fever?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), nighttime fever is seen as a manifestation of internal imbalances and patterns of disharmony within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which might focus on infections or inflammatory conditions as the cause of fever, TCM looks at the body's overall state and seeks to identify and rectify these imbalances. Treating nighttime fever effectively in TCM involves understanding the specific pattern of disharmony responsible for the symptom and addressing it through a combination of herbal remedies, acupuncture, and lifestyle adjustments.

Root Causes of Nighttime Fever in TCM

One common cause of nighttime fever in TCM is Full Heat with Yin Deficiency. This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as nighttime fever, lack of sweating, and emaciation without loss of appetite. It reflects an imbalance where the body's Yin, or cooling energy, is deficient, leading to an excess of internal Heat that manifests as fever during the night.

Another notable cause is Heat in the Nutritive Qi level. This pattern involves symptoms like nighttime fever, dry mouth without desire to drink, restlessness, insomnia, delirium, and macules. It indicates a deeper level of heat that affects the body's nutritive aspects, causing significant internal disturbance and fever.

Explore below more details about what might cause Nighttime fever according to TCM.

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 Nighttime Fever

Common Symptoms: Incoherent Or Confused Speech Restlessness Insomnia Delirium Aphasia Macules Irritability Lack Of Sweating

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Full Heat Yin Deficiency	Fever at night, Nighttime fever, Lack of sweating, Emaciation with no loss of appetite	Qin Jiao Bie Jia San
Heat in Nutritive Qi level	Fever at night, Nighttime fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Restlessness, Insomnia, Delirium, Incoherent or confused speech, Aphasia, Macules... see more	Qing Ying Tang | Bai He Di Huang Tang
Heat in Pericardium	Fever at night, Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities... see more	Qing Ying Tang | Zhi Bao Dan
Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency	Night fever, Nighttime fever, Emaciation, Chronic pyelonephritis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Renal tuberculosis, Tidal fever, Hot palms and soles, Red skin eruptions, Night sweats, Generalized fatigue... see more	Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner	Night fever, Lower abdominal pain, Nighttime fever, Incoherent or confused speech, Irritability, Restlessness, Thirst, Amenorrhea, Menstrual cramps, Uterine fibroids, Retained placenta... see more	Tao He Cheng Qi Tang

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Nighttime Fever

Common Symptoms: Lack Of Sweating Emaciation With No Loss Of Appetite Emaciation Chronic Pyelonephritis Pulmonary Tuberculosis Renal Tuberculosis Tidal Fever Hot Palms And Soles

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Full Heat Yin Deficiency	Fever at night, Nighttime fever, Lack of sweating, Emaciation with no loss of appetite	Qin Jiao Bie Jia San
Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency	Night fever, Nighttime fever, Emaciation, Chronic pyelonephritis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Renal tuberculosis, Tidal fever, Hot palms and soles, Red skin eruptions, Night sweats, Generalized fatigue... see more	Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Nighttime Fever

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner	Night fever, Lower abdominal pain, Nighttime fever, Incoherent or confused speech, Irritability, Restlessness, Thirst, Amenorrhea, Menstrual cramps, Uterine fibroids, Retained placenta... see more	Tao He Cheng Qi Tang

Pericardium

In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more

Pericardium Patterns That Can Lead to Nighttime Fever

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heat in Pericardium	Fever at night, Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities... see more	Qing Ying Tang | Zhi Bao Dan

Triple Burner

In TCM the Triple Burner (or San Jiao) is a unique concept rather than a physical organ. It's seen as a system that oversees the flow and balance of Qi and bodily fluids across three regions of the body: the upper (respiratory and cardiovascular systems), middle (digestive system), and lower (urinary and reproductive systems). The Triple Burner facilitates the interaction between these systems, ensuring harmony in bodily functions. When it malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of symptoms depending on the affected region, such as respiratory issues, digestive problems, or urinary and reproductive disorders. The malfunction can also manifest as general imbalances in energy flow, temperature regulation, and fluid metabolism, reflecting the Triple Burner's role as a coordinator of the body's various processes and its importance in maintaining overall balance and health.... see more

Triple Burner Patterns That Can Lead to Nighttime Fever

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner	Night fever, Lower abdominal pain, Nighttime fever, Incoherent or confused speech, Irritability, Restlessness, Thirst, Amenorrhea, Menstrual cramps, Uterine fibroids, Retained placenta... see more	Tao He Cheng Qi Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Nighttime Fever

For treating Full Heat with Yin Deficiency, Qin Jiao Bie Jia San is a recommended formula. It belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency and features Softshell Turtle Shells (Bie Jia) as a key herb, which helps nourish Yin and reduce internal heat.

In cases of Heat in the Nutritive Qi level, Qing Ying Tang is often used. This formula is designed to clear nutritive-level Heat and includes Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) as a key herb, which helps cool the blood and alleviate symptoms such as restlessness and delirium.

By targeting the specific patterns of disharmony, these formulas provide a holistic approach to managing nighttime fever, promoting overall balance and health.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address nighttime fever, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Heat:
Qing Ying Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause nighttime fever, such as Heat in Nutritive Qi level or Heat in Pericardium

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All Formulas Recommended for Nighttime Fever Caused by Heat

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Qing Ying Tang	Heat in Nutritive Qi level, Heat in Pericardium
Qin Jiao Bie Jia San	Full Heat Yin Deficiency
Bai He Di Huang Tang	Heat in Nutritive Qi level
Zhi Bao Dan	Heat in Pericardium
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang	Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang	Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner

Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Qin Jiao Bie Jia San

Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause nighttime fever, such as Full Heat Yin Deficiency

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All Formulas Recommended for Nighttime Fever Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Qin Jiao Bie Jia San	Full Heat Yin Deficiency
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang	Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency

Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang

Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause nighttime fever, such as Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner

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Acupoints for Nighttime Fever

In TCM, specific acupuncture points are used to alleviate nighttime fever by addressing the underlying patterns of disharmony. In the Pericardium Channel, Laogong (P-8) and Quze (P-3) are particularly effective. Laogong (P-8) is located in the center of the palm, between the second and third metacarpal bones. This point clears Heart Fire, calms the mind, and restores consciousness, making it useful for reducing fever and associated symptoms.

Quze (P-3), found on the transverse cubital crease, at the ulnar side of the tendon of the biceps brachii muscle, helps clear heat and cool the blood, subdue Rebellious Stomach Qi, invigorate Blood and Qi in the chest, and calm the Mind. These acupoints, when used in combination with herbal formulas and other TCM therapies, can effectively treat nighttime fever by addressing both the symptoms and their root causes.

Explore below some acupoints used to address nighttime fever, organized by meridian.

Quze P-3

On the transverse cubital crease, at the ulnar side of the tendon of biceps brachii muscle.

Laogong P-8

In the center of the palm, between the 2nd and the 3rd metacarpal bones, proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint.