How to Cope with External Heat and Internal Cold?

When dealing with the issue of external heat and internal cold, it is often necessary to adjust and treat the body accordingly based on the degree of heat and cold present. If there is a preponderance of cold, the use of Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan is recommended for treatment. If the cold is relatively minor, cold medicine such as cold remedies may be used. Additionally, in daily life, it is advisable to take appropriate dosages of Si Ni Tang-based medications for conditioning, helping to balance the heat and cold in the body and thereby improving overall constitution.

1. It is crucial to identify the degree of heat and cold present. For individuals with more cold than heat, treatment should focus primarily on addressing the cold, with supplementary heat-clearing measures. Medications such as Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan or Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan may be prescribed. For those with more heat than cold, the primary focus should be on treating the heat, with additional measures to dispel the cold. Medications like Lian Hua Qing Wen Jiao Nang combined with cold remedies may be prescribed.

2. The essence of external heat and internal cold is the presence of internal cold. Therefore, it is necessary to use warm and hot medications, particularly those with strong warming properties, to eliminate the internal cold and resolve the external heat naturally. The difficulty in clinical practice lies in accurately distinguishing the symptoms of internal cold and external heat. Si Ni Tang, which contains strongly warming ingredients like Fuzi and Ganjiang, can be used to resolve internal cold and eliminate external heat.

The main manifestations of external heat and internal cold include fever, headache, sore throat, dry mouth, thirst with sweating, a pale red flush on the cheeks, as well as coldness in the limbs, tastelessness, preference for hot drinks, and clear and long urine. Additionally, there may be other symptoms specific to the individual.

It is important to avoid consuming cold and stimulating foods in daily life. Instead, appropriate amounts of Gui Yuan Da Zao Congee can be included in the diet. Avoiding damp environments and soaking feet in warm water at night can also be beneficial.