Daytime Sweatingaccording to TCM

What is Daytime Sweating?

Daytime sweating, also known as diurnal hyperhidrosis, is a condition characterized by excessive sweating during the day. This can occur even in the absence of physical exertion or high temperatures, making it particularly bothersome and potentially embarrassing. The condition can manifest as localized sweating in areas like the hands, feet, or underarms, or it can be more generalized, affecting large areas of the body. Daytime sweating falls under the broader category of perspiration disorders, where the body's sweat glands produce more sweat than necessary for temperature regulation.

How Does TCM View Daytime Sweating?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), daytime sweating is seen as a symptom that arises from various patterns of disharmony within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which may attribute excessive sweating to hyperactive sweat glands or nervous system issues, TCM focuses on the balance of Qi, the vital life energy. Identifying the correct pattern of disharmony is crucial in TCM, as it dictates the appropriate treatment approach.

Root Causes of Daytime Sweating in TCM

Daytime sweating is often attributed to Qi Deficiency in TCM. Qi, the body's vital energy, may become weakened or depleted, leading to symptoms such as general weakness, low energy, and spontaneous sweating during the day. Qi Deficiency can also result in frequent colds, a weak voice, and a lack of appetite.

Another common cause is Lung Qi Deficiency, where the lungs' ability to regulate and disperse fluids is impaired, leading to symptoms like daytime sweating, reluctance to speak, and overall fatigue. These imbalances disrupt the body's ability to control perspiration, resulting in excessive daytime sweating.

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

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Daytime Sweating

Common Symptoms: Weak Voice Generalized Fatigue Low Energy Reluctance To Speak Frequent Colds Or Flu Shortness Of Breath Coughing Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi Deficiency	Daytime sweating, General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Low energy, Reluctance to speak, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea, Shortness of breath... see more	Si Jun Zi Tang | Liu Jun Zi Tang
Lung Qi Deficiency	Spontaneous daytime sweating, Daytime sweating, Reluctance to speak	Si Jun Zi Tang | Jiu Xian San | Bu Fei Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Zhi Gan Cao Tang

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 Daytime Sweating

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Lung Qi Deficiency	Spontaneous daytime sweating, Daytime sweating, Reluctance to speak	Si Jun Zi Tang | Jiu Xian San | Bu Fei Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Zhi Gan Cao Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Daytime Sweating

To address daytime sweating, TCM recommends specific formulas and herbs tailored to the underlying patterns of disharmony. For Qi Deficiency, formulas like Si Jun Zi Tang, which includes Ginseng (Ren Shen) as a key herb, are used to strengthen and tonify Qi. Liu Jun Zi Tang is another effective formula that also focuses on tonifying Qi with Ginseng as a primary ingredient.

For Lung Qi Deficiency, Si Jun Zi Tang remains beneficial, while Jiu Xian San, which includes Poppy Capsules (Ying Su Ke), is used to stabilize the lungs and reduce excessive sweating. These herbal formulas aim to restore balance and proper function to the body's systems, addressing the root causes of the symptoms.

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

Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Si Jun Zi Tang

Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause daytime sweating, such as Qi Deficiency or Lung Qi Deficiency

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All Formulas Recommended for Daytime Sweating Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Si Jun Zi Tang	Qi Deficiency, Lung Qi Deficiency
Liu Jun Zi Tang	Qi Deficiency
Jiu Xian San	Lung Qi Deficiency
Bu Fei Tang	Lung Qi Deficiency
Ren Shen Ge Jie San	Lung Qi Deficiency
Zhi Gan Cao Tang	Lung Qi Deficiency

TCM Herbs for Daytime Sweating

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address daytime sweating, organized by herb category.