Sweating is a barometer for judging the state of qi and blood in the human body"Whether one is deficient or not can be seen from sweating; sweating requires replenishing qi, while no sweating requires nourishing blood." Qi and blood are the material foundation of human life activities, and the generation and excretion of sweat rely entirely on the transformation and regulation of qi and blood.
First, let's talk aboutSweating requires tonifying qiTraditional Chinese Medicine believes that "qi follows the depletion of body fluids." The essence of sweat is the external manifestation of body fluids, which are closely related to qi and blood. Excessive sweating not only directly depletes the yin fluids in the body but also leads to the loss of qi as body fluids are expelled. Qi has the function of consolidating and containing body fluids. When body fluids are excessively discharged, qi dissipates along with them into clothing and the air, resulting in "deficiency of both qi and yin."
This condition is particularly evident in individuals with inherent qi and blood deficiency. Specifically, those with qi deficiency tend to sweat profusely even with minimal physical activity, often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and reluctance to speak. For such individuals,The key to regulation lies in "tonifying qi and consolidating fluids"Only when Qi is sufficient can it firmly retain the body's fluids, reducing abnormal sweating from the root cause while also improving issues such as fatigue and drowsiness.
In traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions,Four Gentlemen Decoction is hailed as the premier formula for replenishing qi throughout the agesis a classic choice for regulating qi deficiency and sweating. This formula consists ofGinseng, Atractylodes, Poria, Licorice, four herbs combined。GinsengTonifying Qi and Strengthening the SpleenAtractylodes macrocephalaStrengthen the spleen and dry dampness, assisting ginseng in enhancing the power of tonifying qiPoriaStrengthen the spleen and drain dampness, harmonize the functions of the spleen and stomachlicorice rootBenefiting Qi and Harmonizing the Middle, Harmonizing All Medicinals. This CombinationIt can both tonify the qi of the spleen and stomach and secure body fluids.
Next, let's talk aboutNo sweat, nourish the bloodMany people believe that not sweating is a good thing, but long-term minimal sweating is often a sign of blood deficiency. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is said that "body fluids and blood share the same source." Both body fluids and blood originate from the essence of water and grains transformed by the spleen and stomach. Blood can transform into body fluids, and body fluids can also seep into the blood vessels to become part of the blood.
Therefore, in addition to long-term reduced sweating, individuals with this type of blood deficiency may also experience symptoms such as pale or sallow complexion, pale lips and nails, dizziness and blurred vision, forgetfulness and insomnia, palpitations and shortness of breath, and overall lack of energy. For blood deficiency without sweating, one can refer toFour-Substance Decoction, known as the "Number One Blood-Tonifying Formula," is composed of four herbs: Chinese Angelica, Szechuan Lovage Rhizome, White Peony Root, and Prepared Rehmannia Root.
Radix Rehmanniae PreparataNourish Yin and Tonify Blood, Benefit Essence and Fill Marrow, can replenish blood from the root;Angelica sinensisNourishing blood and promoting blood circulation regulating menstruation and relieving pain assisting Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata in enhancing blood-nourishing effect while avoiding excessive stagnation from blood tonificationWhite Peony Rootnourish blood and astringe yin, soften liver and relieve pain, harmonize qi and bloodChuanxiongPromoting blood circulation and qi flow dispelling wind and alleviating pain it guides the movement of blood allowing the supplemented blood to circulate more effectively throughout the body
The entire formula can both nourish and replenish blood, as well as harmonize the circulation of qi and blood, fundamentally improving the state of blood deficiency, allowing body fluids to be generated normally, and gradually restoring normal sweat excretion。
Finally, it must be reminded that everyone's constitution and specific symptoms are different. Therefore, if you really need to use medication for conditioning, you must first consult a professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to clearly differentiate the syndrome, adjust the prescription according to your own situation, and never casually take medicine on your own, lest it not suit the condition and instead cause trouble for your body.
