Traditional Chinese Medicine for Excessive Sweating


From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, perspiration is transformed by yang qi evaporating body fluids in order to cool down the body. It emerges out of the body through the sweat pores. Excessive sweating occurs when the production of perspiration beyond what is necessary to cool down the body.

Sweating is a normal body function. It can help to cool down the body, moisten the skin and excrete metabolic wastes. Sweating normally occurs when a person becomes too hot or in reaction to emotions such as nervousness, anxiety, fear and anger. However, some people sweat a lot without being hot, nervous or anxious. The sweating usually occurs on the hands, feet, armpits and the head. This may be very uncomfortable and embarrassing.

There are many possible patterns of excessive sweating in TCM terms. Common patterns are excess heat due to yin deficiency and heat stagnation, both are related to internal heat in the body. Internal heat often promote the vaporization of body fluids, and excessive sweating is a sign showing that the body is overheated and need to cool down. Just like heat outside the body can cause sweating, heat can develop inside the body and cause sweating.

Chinese Herbs for Excessive Sweating

TCM practitioners often offer acupuncture combined with herbal formula for excessive sweating. For excess heat due to yin deficiency and heat stagnation, Yu Ping Feng Wan, an herbal formula is often used to clear heat and stop sweating. It contains herbs include Huang Qi, Fang Feng and Bai Zhu.

Si Ni San can also be used for excessive sweating caused by internal heat. It contains herbs include Chai Hu, Bai Shao, Zhi Shi and Gan Cao. Among herbal formulas for excessive sweating, many of them contain Huang Qi, which is traditionally used to stop sweating.

Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) is a traditional Chinese herb long used for excessive sweating. It can be used to rectify cases of excessive sweating, including disorders like sudden night sweats.

Where to buy (amazon link): Astragalus Root

How to use: Astragalus Root is available in many different forms including liquid extract, powder and capsules.

Acupuncture for Excessive Sweating

Acupuncture is helpful for excessive sweating. It can be beneficial by helping to balance overstimulated nerves which trigger the sweat glands, and prevent them from being overactive. This is a long-term process, you should not expect a quick result.

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