Alternating Sensation Of Hot And Coldaccording to TCM

What is Alternating Sensation of Hot and Cold?

Alternating sensation of hot and cold, medically defined as a condition where an individual experiences fluctuating body temperature sensations, can be perplexing and uncomfortable. It manifests as intermittent feelings of heat followed by chills, often disrupting daily life. This symptom can be accompanied by other signs such as sweating, shivering, or an overall feeling of malaise. Recognizing and understanding this symptom is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How Does TCM View Alternating Sensation of Hot and Cold?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on alternating sensations of hot and cold, attributing them to imbalances in the body's internal energy. Unlike Western medicine, which might consider this symptom as related to infections or hormonal imbalances, TCM sees it as a result of various patterns of disharmony. Identifying the correct underlying pattern is essential for effective treatment. TCM emphasizes the importance of balancing Yin and Yang to restore harmony and alleviate symptoms.

Root Causes of Alternating Sensation Of Hot And Cold in TCM

One primary cause of alternating sensations of hot and cold in TCM is Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder. This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as hypochondriac pain, nausea, a dull yellow complexion, and scanty dark urine. The fluctuating temperature sensations are due to the obstruction of Qi flow by Damp-Heat.

Another cause is Gallbladder Heat, which presents with a bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, upper abdominal fullness, and alternating sensations of hot and cold. This pattern indicates an excess of Heat in the Gallbladder that disturbs the normal flow of Qi and fluids.

Explore below more details about what might cause Alternating sensation of hot and cold 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 Alternating Sensation Of Hot And Cold

Common Symptoms: Hypochondriac Pain Bitter Taste In The Mouth Hypochondriac Distention Nausea Or Vomiting Fat Malabsorption Dull Yellow Complexion Scanty And Dark Urine Fever

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder	Alternation of hot and cold feeling, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera... see more	Yin Chen Hao Tang
Gallbladder Heat	Alternation of hot and cold feeling, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Bitter taste in the mouth, Thirst, Dry throat, Hypochondriac pain, Nausea, Upper abdominal fullness... see more	Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Alternating Sensation Of Hot And Cold

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder	Alternation of hot and cold feeling, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera... see more	Yin Chen Hao Tang

Gallbladder

In TCM the Gallbladder has a unique role in storing and excreting bile, but more importantly, it's seen as crucial for decision-making and courage. It's closely connected to the Liver, assisting in the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and supporting the Liver's role in maintaining emotional balance. When the Gallbladder malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to physical symptoms like gallstones, jaundice, or a bitter taste in the mouth. There might also be digestive disturbances, particularly related to fat metabolism. On an emotional level, a Gallbladder disorder can manifest as indecisiveness, timidity, or a tendency to easily succumb to stress. These symptoms highlight the TCM view of the Gallbladder as integral to both physical processes and emotional resilience.... see more

Gallbladder Patterns That Can Lead to Alternating Sensation Of Hot And Cold

Common Symptoms: Hypochondriac Pain Bitter Taste In The Mouth Hypochondriac Distention Nausea Or Vomiting Fat Malabsorption Dull Yellow Complexion Scanty And Dark Urine Fever

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder	Alternation of hot and cold feeling, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera... see more	Yin Chen Hao Tang
Gallbladder Heat	Alternation of hot and cold feeling, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Bitter taste in the mouth, Thirst, Dry throat, Hypochondriac pain, Nausea, Upper abdominal fullness... see more	Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Alternating Sensation Of Hot And Cold

To treat alternating sensations of hot and cold, TCM practitioners use specific herbal formulas tailored to the patient's underlying pattern. For Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder, Yin Chen Hao Tang is highly effective. This formula includes Virgate wormwood, which helps to clear heat and drain dampness, thus relieving the symptoms of fluctuating temperature sensations and associated discomforts.

For Gallbladder Heat, Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang is commonly used. This formula contains Sweet Wormwood Herbs, which play a crucial role in clearing heat and purging fire from the Gallbladder, thereby restoring balance and alleviating the alternating hot and cold sensations. The selection of these formulas is based on a comprehensive diagnosis of the patient's symptoms and overall health condition, ensuring a personalized treatment approach.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address alternating sensation of hot and cold, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Heat:
Yin Chen Hao Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause alternating sensation of hot and cold, such as Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Alternating Sensation Of Hot And Cold Caused by Heat

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Yin Chen Hao Tang	Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang	Gallbladder Heat

Top Formula for Dampness:
Yin Chen Hao Tang

Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause alternating sensation of hot and cold, such as Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder

Learn more

Acupoints for Alternating Sensation Of Hot And Cold

In TCM, acupuncture is used to balance the body's energies and restore the flow of Qi. Key acupoints include Guanchong (TB-1) and Waiguan (TB-5) in the Triple Burner Channel, which help expel exterior wind and regulate internal Heat. Additionally, Danshu (BL-19) and Sanjiaoshu (BL-22) in the Bladder Channel are effective in resolving Damp-Heat and regulating the Lesser Yang. These points are strategically used to alleviate symptoms and restore harmony.

Explore below some acupoints used to address alternating sensation of hot and cold, organized by meridian.

Guanchong TB-1

On the lateral side of the ring finger, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

Yemen TB-2

Proximal to the margin of the web between the ring and small fingers.

Zhongzhu TB-3

When the hand is placed with the palm facing downward, Zhongzhu TB-3 is on the hand dorsum between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, in the depression proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints, at the junction between the heads and shaft of the two metacarpal bones.

Yangchi TB-4

At the junction of the ulna carpal bones of the wrist dorsum, in the depression lateral to the tendon of extensor digitorum and extensor digiti minimi muscle.

Waiguan TB-5

2 cun above Yangchi TB-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, between the radius and ulna.

Xiaoluo TB-12

On the line joining the olecranon and Jianliao TB-14, midway between Qinglengyuan TB-11 and Naohui TB-13, 5 cun proximal to the olecranon. It is just on the lower end of bulge of the lateral head of triceps brachii when the forearm is in pronation.

Danshu BL-19

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra (T10).

Sanjiaoshu BL-22

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra.