Lack Of Sweatingaccording to TCM

*redirected from No sweating

Symptom family: Sweating Disorders

What is Lack of Sweating?

Lack of sweating, also known as anhidrosis or hypohidrosis, refers to the body's inability to produce sweat. This condition can affect either a small area or the entire body and may result from a variety of underlying health issues. While sweating is a natural mechanism to regulate body temperature and expel toxins, its absence can lead to overheating and other complications. Lack of sweating can be a symptom of neurological disorders, skin conditions, or other systemic illnesses, necessitating medical attention to determine its cause.

How Does TCM View Lack of Sweating?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lack of sweating is considered a sign of imbalance within the body's systems. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on symptomatic treatment, TCM seeks to identify and address the root cause of the condition. Various patterns of disharmony, such as Cold, Wind, Phlegm, Heat, and Dampness, can lead to an inability to sweat. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial for effective treatment, as each pattern requires a tailored approach involving herbal formulas, acupuncture, and lifestyle adjustments.

Root Causes of Lack Of Sweating in TCM

One common cause of lack of sweating in TCM is Cold invasion, particularly the Greater Yang Attack of Cold according to the 6 Stage Theory of Zhang Zhong Jin. This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as occipital headache, aversion to cold, low-grade fever, stiff neck, and nasal discharge. When Cold invades the body, it constricts the pores and prevents the natural release of sweat.

Another related pattern is Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, which includes symptoms like fever, itchy throat, shortness of breath, and congested nose. The combination of Wind and Cold obstructs the body's ability to sweat properly.

Another potential cause is Phlegm accumulation, specifically Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs. This pattern presents with symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness, muscle pain, absence of thirst, profuse white sputum, and swollen limbs. The accumulation of Phlegm and fluids obstructs the channels and prevents sweating. Similarly, Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm can lead to symptoms like coughing, asthma, edema, and a stifling sensation in the chest. This pattern also disrupts the body's sweating mechanism by blocking the normal flow of Qi and fluids.

Explore below more details about what might cause Lack of sweating according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Cold
  • Wind
  • Phlegm
Detailed description of the cause

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 Lack Of Sweating

Common Symptoms: Headaches Aversion To Cold Fever Body Pain Chills Sneezing Nasal Discharge Occipital Headache

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Greater Yang Attack of Cold Absence of sweating, Occipital headache, Aversion to cold, Low grade fever, Lack of sweating, Stiff neck, Sneezing, Nasal discharge, Shortness of breath... see more Ma Huang Tang
Wind-Cold invading the Lungs Lack of sweating, Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, White and watery sputum, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum... see more Ma Huang Tang | Ge Gen Tang | Xin Yi San | Zhi Sou San
Dry-Cold No sweat, Fever, Headaches, Aversion to cold, Skin dryness, Lack of sweating, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Coughing, Scanty sputum... see more Xing Su San
Exterior-Cold No sweat, Aversion to cold, Fever, Body pain, Stiff neck, Lack of sweating, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Chills... see more Ma Huang Tang | Gui Zhi Tang
Wind-Cold No sweat, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache, Occipital stiffness, Congested nose, White and watery sputum... see more Ma Huang Tang | Jing Fang Bai Du San | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Shi Shen Tang | Jin Fei Cao San | Wu Ji San
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold No sweating, Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Thirst, Flushed face, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Body pain, Dark urine, Urinary dysfunction... see more Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin
Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer No sweating, Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Headaches, Abdominal pain, Vomit, Diarrhea, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Fatigued extremities, Nausea... see more Xiang Ru San
Wind Cold with Internal Heat No sweating, High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin... see more Shi Gao Tang
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency No sweating, Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice... see more Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Zai Zao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Lack Of Sweating

To address lack of sweating caused by Cold invasion, TCM practitioners may recommend formulas such as Ma Huang Tang. This formula, which includes Ephedra (Ma Huang) as a key herb, is designed to clear Wind-Cold and release the exterior. It helps to open the pores and promote sweating, thereby relieving symptoms of Cold invasion.

For cases involving Phlegm accumulation, formulas like Da Qing Long Tang may be used. This formula, which also includes Ephedra (Ma Huang) as a key herb, is effective in treating patterns such as Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs. It works by clearing Wind-Cold, transforming Phlegm, and promoting the movement of fluids to restore the body's ability to sweat.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address lack of sweating, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Cold
  • Wind
  • Phlegm

All Formulas Recommended for Lack Of Sweating Caused by Cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ma Huang Tang Greater Yang Attack of Cold, Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, Exterior-Cold, Wind-Cold... see more
Ge Gen Tang Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Xin Yi San Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Zhi Sou San Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Xing Su San Dry-Cold
Gui Zhi Tang Exterior-Cold
Jing Fang Bai Du San Wind-Cold
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Cold
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Cold
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang Wind-Cold
Jia Wei Xiang Su San Wind-Cold
Shi Shen Tang Wind-Cold
Jin Fei Cao San Wind-Cold
Wu Ji San Wind-Cold
Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
Xiang Ru San Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
Shi Gao Tang Wind Cold with Internal Heat
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Zai Zao San Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

Acupoints for Lack Of Sweating

In TCM, specific acupuncture points are utilized to address lack of sweating. One such point is Qucha BL-4, located 0.5 cun superior to the anterior hairline and 1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline. This point helps to expel Wind-Heat and ease pain, benefiting the eyes and nose as well. Another important acupoint is Hegu LI-4, found between the first and second metacarpal bones. This point is known for its ability to expel exterior Wind, regulate defensive Qi, and harmonize the body's Yin and Yang.

By addressing the underlying patterns of disharmony through both herbal formulas and acupuncture, TCM provides a comprehensive approach to managing lack of sweating, helping to restore balance and improve overall well-being.

Explore below some acupoints used to address lack of sweating, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Large Intestine Channel
  • Spleen Channel
Qucha BL-4

Qucha BL-4

0.5 cun superior to the anterior hairline and 1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, at the junction of the medial third and lateral two-thirds of the distance from anterior midline to Touwei ST-8.

Chengguang BL-6

Chengguang BL-6

1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 2.5 cun within the anterior hairline. On the other hand, this point is at the medial third and lateral two-thirds of the distance from anterior midline to the line vertically from Touwei ST-8. Chengguang BL-6 is also 1.5 cun posterior to Wuchu BL-5.

Zhonglushu BL-29

Zhonglushu BL-29

At the level of the 3rd posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Yixi BL-45

Yixi BL-45

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6).

Added to Cart