Afternoon Heat Sensationaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Heat Sensations and Intolerance
Parent symptom: Feeling Of Heat
Did you mean? Evening Heat Sensation
What is Afternoon Heat Sensation?
Afternoon heat sensation, medically referred to as a feeling of heat in the afternoon, is a condition where individuals experience an unusual warmth or heat sensation predominantly during the afternoon hours. This symptom can manifest as a general feeling of warmth throughout the body or be localized to specific areas, such as the palms and soles. It often disrupts daily activities and can be associated with other symptoms such as restlessness and night sweats.
How Does TCM View Afternoon Heat Sensation?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), afternoon heat sensation is considered a manifestation of internal disharmony. Unlike Western medicine, which may attribute this symptom to metabolic or hormonal changes, TCM views it through the lens of energy imbalances within the body. These imbalances can arise from various patterns of disharmony, and identifying the correct pattern is crucial for effective treatment.
Root Causes of Afternoon Heat Sensation in TCM
One common cause of afternoon heat sensation in TCM is Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency. This pattern is characterized by a lack of Yin Body Fluids, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, night sweats, and a burning sensation in the chest. The sensation of heat typically intensifies in the afternoon and can be accompanied by hot palms and soles, and dry stools.
Another significant cause is Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing. This condition involves a deeper level of Yin deficiency affecting the kidneys, leading to more pronounced symptoms such as flushed cheekbones, restlessness, and insomnia. Patients often experience a low-grade fever that peaks in the afternoon and a persistent heat sensation in the palms and soles.
Explore below more details about what might cause Afternoon heat sensation according to TCM.
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 Afternoon Heat Sensation
Common Symptoms: Dry Mouth Night Sweats Hot Palms And Soles Dry Stools Insomnia Dry Throat Preference For Sipping Flushed Cheekbones
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency | Feeling of heat in the afternoon, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones... see more | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
| Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing | Feeling of heat in the afternoon, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
| Lung Yin Deficiency | Feeling of heat in the afternoon, Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Reluctance to speak, Thin chest | Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Jiu Xian San |
| Stomach Yin Deficiency | Feeling of heat in the afternoon, Lack of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating... see more | Mai Men Dong Tang | Yi Wei Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
| Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Feeling of heat in the afternoon, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
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 Afternoon Heat Sensation
Common Symptoms: Preference For Sipping Night Sweats Dry Stools Scanty And Dark Urine Flushed Cheekbones Restlessness Insomnia Hypersexuality
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency | Feeling of heat in the afternoon, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones... see more | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
| Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing | Feeling of heat in the afternoon, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Afternoon Heat Sensation
Common Symptoms: Insomnia Night Sweats Dry Throat Dizziness Tinnitus Hearing Loss Lower Back Pain Nocturnal Emission
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing | Feeling of heat in the afternoon, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
| Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Feeling of heat in the afternoon, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
Lung
In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more
Lung Patterns That Can Lead to Afternoon Heat Sensation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Lung Yin Deficiency | Feeling of heat in the afternoon, Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Reluctance to speak, Thin chest | Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Jiu Xian San |
Stomach
In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more
Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Afternoon Heat Sensation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Yin Deficiency | Feeling of heat in the afternoon, Lack of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating... see more | Mai Men Dong Tang | Yi Wei Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
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 Afternoon Heat Sensation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Feeling of heat in the afternoon, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Afternoon Heat Sensation
For treating afternoon heat sensation, TCM practitioners use specific herbal formulas tailored to the underlying pattern of disharmony. Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang is effective for Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency. This formula includes Softshell Turtle Shells, which help to clear internal heat and replenish Yin Body Fluids, addressing symptoms such as dry mouth and night sweats.
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is another essential formula, particularly for Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing. This formula, containing Prepared rehmannia, nourishes Yin and targets the root cause of the heat sensation. It helps reduce the afternoon fever and alleviate related symptoms like restlessness and insomnia. These formulas are carefully selected based on the patient's specific symptoms and overall health condition, ensuring a personalized approach to treatment.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address afternoon heat sensation, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yin Deficiency
- Heat
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
- Formulas that secure lungs and stop coughing
- Formulas that tonify qi
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause afternoon heat sensation, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing or Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Afternoon Heat Sensation Caused by Yin Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Lung Yin Deficiency |
| Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Lung Yin Deficiency |
| Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Lung Yin Deficiency |
| Jiu Xian San | Lung Yin Deficiency |
| Mai Men Dong Tang | Stomach Yin Deficiency |
| Yi Wei Tang | Stomach Yin Deficiency |
| Shen Ling Bai Zhu San | Stomach Yin Deficiency |
Top Formula for Heat:
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause afternoon heat sensation, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Afternoon Heat Sensation Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some afternoon heat sensation-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing or Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan, with anemarrhena rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for afternoon heat sensation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Lung Yin Deficiency |
| Yi Wei Tang | Stomach Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
These formulas are suitable for some afternoon heat sensation-causing patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness" recommended for afternoon heat sensation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Lung Yin Deficiency |
| Mai Men Dong Tang | Stomach Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
These formulas are suitable for some afternoon heat sensation-causing patterns like Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Huang Lian E Jiao Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for afternoon heat sensation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
These formulas are suitable for some afternoon heat sensation-causing patterns like Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, with softshell turtle shell as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat from deficiency" recommended for afternoon heat sensation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
These formulas are suitable for some afternoon heat sensation-causing patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
Formulas that secure Lungs and stop coughing
These formulas are suitable for some afternoon heat sensation-causing patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Jiu Xian San, with poppy capsule as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
These formulas are suitable for some afternoon heat sensation-causing patterns like Stomach Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, with ginseng as a key herb.
Acupoints for Afternoon Heat Sensation
Acupuncture is a fundamental component of TCM, used to restore balance and alleviate symptoms like afternoon heat sensation. Specific acupoints are targeted to clear heat and nourish Yin. For instance, Rangu (KID-2), located anterior and inferior to the medial malleolus tip, is effective in cooling the blood and clearing Empty-Heat. This point also regulates the kidneys and the lower burner, helping to address the root causes of the heat sensation.
By stimulating these acupoints, practitioners aim to harmonize the body's energy flow, reduce internal heat, and promote overall well-being. The combination of acupuncture and herbal formulas offers a holistic approach to managing afternoon heat sensation, ensuring comprehensive care and symptom relief.
See more details below about Rangu KID-2, an acupoint used to address afternoon heat sensation.
- By Meridian
- Kidney Channel
Rangu KID-2
Anterior and inferior to the medial malleolus tip, in the depression on the lower border of the navicular bone, at the border of the 'red and white' skin.