Hot Palms And Solesaccording to TCM

What is Hot Palms and Soles?

Hot palms and soles, a condition marked by an incessant warmth or burning sensation in the hands and feet, stands as a perplexing symptom for many. This sensation, far from being a mere discomfort, can significantly affect an individual's daily life, signaling an imbalance within the body that transcends mere physical triggers. Synonyms such as heat sensation in the hands and feet and warm palms and soles allude to this bewildering condition, prompting those afflicted to seek both understanding and relief.

How does TCM view Hot Palms and Soles?

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hot palms and soles are indicative of an underlying disharmony within the body's natural balance, often pointing towards a Yin Deficiency or an excess of Yang Heat.

TCM perceives the human body as a network of Qi (energy) flowing through meridians, connecting internal organs with external limbs. Thus, the Heat felt in the palms and soles is seen as a manifestation of internal conditions, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency or Heart Fire, requiring a nuanced approach to identify and address the root cause of the imbalance.

Root Causes of Hot Palms And Soles in TCM

In TCM, the phenomenon of hot palms and soles is commonly attributed to patterns of Yin Deficiency or Empty Heat. For instance, Kidney Yin Deficiency might manifest this symptom alongside others like perspiration, lower back pain, and dry mouth at night.

Lung Yin Deficiency could also lead to hot palms and soles, accompanied by a hoarse voice and itchy throat. Identifying the specific pattern is crucial for TCM practitioners to tailor a treatment that not only alleviates the symptom but also restores the body's Yin-Yang harmony.

Explore below more details about what might cause Hot palms and soles according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Heat
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hot Palms And Soles

Common Symptoms: Night Sweats Insomnia Dry Mouth Dry Throat Generalized Fatigue Flushed Cheekbones Dizziness Diabetes

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more Zuo Gui Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Yin | Dang Gui Di Huang Yin | Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Lung Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Reluctance to speak, Thin chest Bai He Gu Jin Tang | Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Jiu Xian San
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, 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
Liver Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Dry eyes, Night blindness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull pale complexion, Flushed cheekbones, Muscle weakness, Muscle cramps, Withered and brittle nails, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Night sweats, Vivid dreaming, Afternoon fever, Preference for sipping... see more Suan Zao Ren Tang | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Bu Gan Tang | Yi Guan Jian
Heart Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang
Stomach Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, 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 Hot palms and soles, 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 and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire Hot palms and soles, Coughing with blood streaked sputum, Wheezing, Dry throat, Night sweats, Chronic bronchitis, Chronic pharyngitis, Spontaneous pneumothorax, Cor pulmonale, Silicosis, Pulmonary tuberculosis... see more Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, Nighttime fever, Emaciation, Chronic pyelonephritis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Renal tuberculosis, Tidal fever, Red skin eruptions, Night sweats, Generalized fatigue, Irritability... see more Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hot Palms And Soles

Common Symptoms: Night Sweats Coughing With Blood Streaked Sputum Pulmonary Tuberculosis Insomnia Generalized Fatigue Wheezing Dry Throat Chronic Bronchitis

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, 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
Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire Hot palms and soles, Coughing with blood streaked sputum, Wheezing, Dry throat, Night sweats, Chronic bronchitis, Chronic pharyngitis, Spontaneous pneumothorax, Cor pulmonale, Silicosis, Pulmonary tuberculosis... see more Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, Nighttime fever, Emaciation, Chronic pyelonephritis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Renal tuberculosis, Tidal fever, Red skin eruptions, Night sweats, Generalized fatigue, Irritability... see more Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hot Palms And Soles

Common Symptoms: Night Sweats Dry Throat Back Pain Hearing Loss Lower Back Pain Infertility Generalized Fatigue Menopausal Hot Flashes

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more Zuo Gui Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Yin | Dang Gui Di Huang Yin | Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, 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 and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire Hot palms and soles, Coughing with blood streaked sputum, Wheezing, Dry throat, Night sweats, Chronic bronchitis, Chronic pharyngitis, Spontaneous pneumothorax, Cor pulmonale, Silicosis, Pulmonary tuberculosis... see more Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hot Palms And Soles

Common Symptoms: Dry Throat Night Sweats Chronic Bronchitis Asthma Hoarse Voice Itchy Throat Reluctance To Speak Thin Chest

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Lung Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Reluctance to speak, Thin chest Bai He Gu Jin Tang | Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Jiu Xian San
Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire Hot palms and soles, Coughing with blood streaked sputum, Wheezing, Dry throat, Night sweats, Chronic bronchitis, Chronic pharyngitis, Spontaneous pneumothorax, Cor pulmonale, Silicosis, Pulmonary tuberculosis... see more Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hot Palms And Soles

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Limb Numbness Tingling Of Limbs Insomnia Blurry Vision Dry Eyes Scanty Menstruation Amenorrhea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Dry eyes, Night blindness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull pale complexion, Flushed cheekbones, Muscle weakness, Muscle cramps, Withered and brittle nails, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Night sweats, Vivid dreaming, Afternoon fever, Preference for sipping... see more Suan Zao Ren Tang | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Bu Gan Tang | Yi Guan Jian
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, 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
Detailed description of the cause

Heart

In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more

Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Hot Palms And Soles

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hot Palms And Soles

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Yin Deficiency Hot palms and soles, 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

TCM Herbal Formulas for Hot Palms And Soles

Addressing hot palms and soles in TCM involves using specific formulas and herbs that nourish Yin and clear Heat. Zuo Gui Wan, for example, is recommended for Kidney Yin Deficiency, utilizing Prepared rehmannia to replenish the body's Yin.

Bai He Gu Jin Tang, beneficial for both Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency, uses Lily Bulbs to moisten and cool the internal heat. These formulations exemplify TCM's approach to treating the underlying imbalance, rather than just the symptoms.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hot palms and soles, 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 tonify blood
  • Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
  • Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
  • Formulas that secure lungs and stop coughing
  • Formulas that clear liver-Heat
  • Formulas that tonify qi

All Formulas Recommended for Hot Palms And Soles Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency, Liver Yin Deficiency
Bai He Gu Jin Tang Lung Yin Deficiency, Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency, Heart Yin Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency, Liver Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Yin Kidney Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin Kidney Yin Deficiency
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Kidney Yin Deficiency
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
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
Bu Gan Tang Liver Yin Deficiency
Yi Guan Jian Liver Yin Deficiency
Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang Heart Yin Deficiency
Mai Men Dong Tang Stomach Yin Deficiency
Yi Wei Tang Stomach Yin Deficiency
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San Stomach Yin Deficiency
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Hot Palms And Soles Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
Bai He Gu Jin Tang Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire
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
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

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for hot palms and soles

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bai He Gu Jin Tang Lung Yin Deficiency, Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Liver Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Yi Guan Jian Liver Yin Deficiency
Bu Fei E Jiao Tang Lung Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Yin Kidney Yin Deficiency
Ren Shen Dang Gui Tang Heart Yin Deficiency
Yi Wei Tang Stomach Yin Deficiency
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for hot palms and soles

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency, Heart Yin Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency, Liver Yin Deficiency
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that clear heat from deficiency" recommended for hot palms and soles

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for hot palms and soles

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bu Gan Tang Liver Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin Kidney Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness" recommended for hot palms and soles

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang Lung Yin Deficiency
Mai Men Dong Tang Stomach Yin Deficiency

Acupoints for Hot Palms And Soles

TCM also employs acupuncture as a method to restore balance and treat symptoms like hot palms and soles. Taixi KID-3, located near the medial malleolus, is a pivotal point for tonifying Kidney Yin and Yang, offering relief for the underlying imbalances causing the sensation of heat. This holistic approach, focusing on specific acupoints, complements herbal treatments, providing a comprehensive strategy to alleviate discomfort and restore equilibrium.

See more details below about Taixi KID-3, an acupoint used to address hot palms and soles.

  • By Meridian
  • Kidney Channel
Taixi KID-3

Taixi KID-3

In the depression between the medial malleolus tip and Achilles tendon (Calcaneal tendon), level with the tip of the medial malleolus.