Is excessive sweating due to qi deficiency?

Written by Xia Min
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Updated on September 25, 2024
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In clinical practice, it is common to see that qi deficiency often leads to excessive sweating, but does excessive sweating always indicate qi deficiency? Not necessarily. There are three reasons for excessive sweating: The first reason is qi deficiency, the second reason is damp-heat, and the third reason is yin deficiency. As you can see, excessive sweating is not always due to qi deficiency; it can also be due to yin deficiency or damp-heat. There is also a condition of excessive sweating due to congenitally active sweat glands, which is not caused by qi deficiency but is instead a hereditary factor. Therefore, excessive sweating is not necessarily always due to qi deficiency.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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What causes hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis refers to abnormal excessive sweating either locally or over the entire skin surface that occurs under normal living conditions or circumstances. In Western medicine, hyperhidrosis is primarily attributed to psychological factors, hemiplegia, concussion, and other causes of autonomic nervous damage or dysfunction, as well as some endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes. Sometimes, it can also be a symptom accompanying other diseases. The occurrence of hyperhidrosis is linked to an increase in sympathetic nerve impulses that enhance the excitement of sweat glands, leading to excessive sweating. It can also be due to increased nervous tension in the sweat glands, which intensifies the sweating response. Furthermore, excessive sweating can occur with the extensive use of corticosteroids, and it can be categorized into localized sweating and generalized sweating. According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are two types of excessive sweating: spontaneous sweating and night sweating. Spontaneous sweating entails sweating during the day without much physical activity, which worsens with exercise and is associated with qi deficiency. Night sweating occurs during the night and is accompanied by symptoms such as warmth in the palms and soles and irritability, indicating yin deficiency.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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The difference between hyperhidrosis and body odor

Hyperhidrosis is generally caused by one's endocrine issues or hormonal imbalances, leading to excessive sweating. The primary symptom is excessive sweating in the hands; sweating tends to increase with physical activity or handwork. Some patients also experience excessive sweating in the armpits and around the upper thighs. Bromhidrosis is a genetically inherited disease characterized by excessive sweating and unpleasant odors in the armpits, demonstrating a familial tendency. These two conditions are distinct and require different treatments. Bromhidrosis is mainly treated surgically to completely remove the sweat glands and reduce the odor, although it cannot be completely cured. In contrast, hyperhidrosis can be managed through self-regulation and using traditional Chinese medicine to adjust the endocrine balance, which can be effective for treatment.

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Written by Yang Li
Endocrinology
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Is excessive sweating a symptom of diabetes?

Diabetes typically presents with symptoms of polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weight loss, commonly known as the "three excesses and one deficiency." However, diabetic patients often have accompanying autonomic dysfunctions or peripheral neuropathy, which can also lead to excessive sweating. Clinically, it is observed that some patients might sweat excessively in specific areas. For instance, some might report excessive forehead sweating or localized sweating on certain body parts, or even unilateral sweating. In such cases, it is necessary to consider whether the symptoms might be a complication of diabetes. To diagnose this, one should firstly conduct diagnostic tests for diabetes, such as the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), to determine if the blood glucose levels meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Additionally, it is important to perform electromyography to check for any neuropathic complications that might affect nerve conduction velocities. This helps in determining whether excessive sweating is a specific symptom of diabetes. However, not all cases of hyperhidrosis are specific to diabetes; other conditions, such as hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis), can also cause excessive sweating and should be considered.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What is excessive sweating and night sweats?

The causes of excessive sweating and night sweats are often considered to be due to a relatively weak constitution or frequent staying up late. Other possible reasons might include frequent sexual activities, which can also lead to excessive sweating and night sweats. Therefore, it is initially necessary to use Chinese medicine for conditioning, which can bring about significant improvement. Mainly, medicines that boost qi and nourish yin, such as ginseng and longan, are used. These can effectively replenish yang and qi and provide effective conditioning. In terms of diet, drinking more plain water can also help alleviate gastrointestinal digestion. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Yong
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What tea should a man who is physically weak and sweats a lot drink?

Men with physical weakness can drink teas that replenish Qi and blood, which can help nourish the kidneys and regulate overall health. Some options include teas made from Astragalus, Ginseng, Codonopsis, Goji berries, Red dates, and Ginger. They can also consume beef, mutton, sheep kidneys, pork, eel, etc. It's important to exercise regularly and avoid spicy and greasy foods. Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, ensuring adequate rest, getting plenty of sleep, avoiding staying up late, and abstaining from alcohol and smoking are also recommended.