"Why Do I Experience Excessive Sweating and High Heat Sensitivity?"

Summer can be relatively hot, and some individuals experience heightened sensitivity to heat, resulting in excessive sweating. This phenomenon is typically physiological and can be mitigated through enhanced daily conditioning. However, severe heat intolerance coupled with excessive sweating warrants attention regarding potential underlying conditions such as physical weakness, qi deficiency, or excessive internal heat. In such cases, dietary adjustments and adequate rest become crucial.

Understanding the Causes of Excessive Heat Intolerance and Sweating

1. Spontaneous Sweating and Night Sweats

Unusual sweating, either throughout the body or in specific areas while at rest, is known as "virtual sweat" (虚汗). This issue commonly affects individuals, particularly the elderly. Virtual sweat manifests as spontaneous sweating during the day without fatigue or provocation, and night sweats occur during sleep. According to traditional Chinese medicine, sweat is the essence of the heart, and excessive sweating can deplete vital energy, leading to symptoms like mental exhaustion, pale complexion, limb weakness, appetite loss, vulnerability to colds, and disturbed sleep with numerous dreams, potentially impacting overall health and predisposing to other illnesses.

2. Qi Deficiency and Excessive Internal Heat

Primarily, virtual sweat arises from qi deficiency and excessive internal heat. Elderly individuals often fall under the qi deficiency category, characterized by excessive sweating even in cool temperatures without exertion, waking up covered in sweat (especially on the head), fatigue, and cold susceptibility. Recommended remedies include consuming soup made from 15 grams of Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus) and 150 grams of chicken, or stewing pork ribs with 30 grams of Dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula). Alternatively, boiling floating wheat with jujube and drinking it as tea can help nourish qi and reduce sweating.

3. Yin Deficiency of the Kidney with Excessive Internal Heat

Furthermore, frequent virtual sweat, heat intolerance, fatigue, and irritability might indicate yin deficiency of the kidney accompanied by excessive internal heat. Such individuals can incorporate foods like black fungus, black sesame seeds, and small walnuts into their diet for supplementation. In severe cases, medical consultation and medications like Zuogui Pill and Liuwei Dihuang Pill are advisable. Additionally, excessive sweating in hands and feet may stem from excess dampness and impaired spleen-stomach function, which can be addressed by including lotus seeds, Chinese yam, and coix seed in the diet.