湿·热
damp and hot
2019/11/20
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) categorizes body constitutions into nine types: Harmonious, Qi Deficiency, Yin Deficiency, Yang Deficiency, Damp-Heat, Qi Stagnation, Phlegm-Damp, Blood Stasis, and Special Constitution. The Harmonious constitution is considered normal, while the other eight are classified as imbalanced constitutions, indicating a sub-healthy state.
This article primarily discusses the regulation of Damp-Heat constitution; content on other constitutions will be covered in subsequent articles.
What is Damp-Heat Constitution?
damp and hot
General Characteristics: Damp-Heat is retained internally, presenting with oily facial skin, bitter mouth, and yellow greasy tongue coating.
Physical Characteristics: Average or slightly thin build.
Common Symptoms: Oily facial skin, bitter taste in the mouth, unusual mouth odor, heaviness and fatigue, sticky and difficult bowel movements, short and yellow urine, men may experience dampness in the scrotum, women may have yellow vaginal discharge, red tongue, yellow greasy coating, and slippery rapid pulse.
Psychological Characteristics: Variable temperament, prone to anxiety.
Tendency to Illness: Prone to skin eczema, sores, mouth ulcers, jaundice, etc.
Adaptability to External Environment: Difficulty adapting to humid and hot climates, especially in late summer and early autumn.
What Diseases are Common in Damp-Heat Constitution?
damp and hot
Skin Issues: Seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, pustular acne, folliculitis, and skin infections in the lower body, such as tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis.
Liver and Gallbladder Diseases: Hepatitis virus carrier, acute jaundice hepatitis, gallstones.
Infectious Diseases of the Urinary and Reproductive Systems: More prone to bladder infections, urethritis, and pyelonephritis during periods of excessive fatigue.
Muscle and Joint Fatigue: Prone to lower back pain and general body aches.
Diabetes, Hypertension, Stroke: High blood sugar and lipids can be attributed to excessive dampness.
Contraindications for Treating Damp-Heat Diseases
damp and hot
Avoid excessive sweating
Avoid using strong warming herbs such as Ma Huang (Ephedra) and Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig).
This is because dampness is sticky and difficult to eliminate quickly; it requires mild sweating to gradually dispel it. Using Ma Huang or Gui Zhi may aim for excessive sweating but fails to eliminate dampness. Their warming nature can exacerbate heat and dampness, obstructing the heart and clouding the mind, leading to symptoms like confusion, deafness, and blurred vision. As Wu Jutong stated: “Sweating leads to confusion and deafness, and in severe cases, to blurred vision and reluctance to speak.”
Avoid strong purgatives
Avoid using strong cold purgatives like Da Huang (Rhubarb) and Mang Xiao (Sodium Sulfate).
Damp-Heat obstructs the stomach and intestines, causing qi stagnation. Dampness is sticky and cannot be resolved with a single purge.
Using such purgatives not only fails to eliminate dampness but can also damage the spleen’s Yang, leading to persistent diarrhea. As Wu Jutong said: “Purgation leads to uncontrollable diarrhea.”
Avoid tonics
Avoid using tonics like Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia) and Mai Dong (Ophiopogon).
In Damp-Heat conditions, symptoms like afternoon fever and thirst arise from dampness, not Yin deficiency.
If misdiagnosed as Yin deficiency and tonics are used, it can worsen dampness and make the condition harder to resolve. Wu Jutong stated: “Moistening leads to deeper unresolved illness.”
Avoid warming tonics
Avoid using warming tonics like Dang Shen (Codonopsis) and Huang Qi (Astragalus).
Dampness is a Yin pathogen that can easily damage Yang qi. When Yang qi is obstructed, symptoms like pale or sallow complexion, cold extremities, and fatigue appear, which are not due to deficiency-cold.
If misdiagnosed as Yang deficiency and warming tonics are used, it can obstruct the spleen and stomach, exacerbating damp-heat and worsening the condition. As Ye Tianshi said: “Do not hastily use tonics for Yang deficiency, for even if the fire is extinguished, there may still be embers in the ashes.”
Herbal Treatments for Damp-Heat Constitution
damp and hot
Aromatic Transformation Method (Upper Jiao)
External heat and dampness invade, while internal damp-heat accumulates.
Symptoms: Dizziness, body heat, general heaviness and fatigue, chest tightness, nausea, yellow and red urine. White greasy tongue coating, slippery pulse.
This is an early stage of damp-warmth; the aromatic transformation method is appropriate.
10g of fresh Peilan (Pogostemon), 10g of soybean sprouts, 10g of fresh Huo Xiang (Agastache), 3g of tender Qian Hu (Peucedanum), 6g of Chuan Yu Jin (Rhizoma Curcumae), 10g of Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica), 10g of Jiang Zhu Ru (Ziziphus jujuba), 5g of Zhi Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), and 3g of Chuan Huang Lian (Coptis).
Aromatic Transformation Method (Upper and Middle Jiao)
Heat and dampness stagnate and obstruct the middle jiao.
Symptoms: Body heat with nausea, vomiting of phlegm, irritability, bright eyes, dry mouth with no desire to drink. Abdominal pain with constipation. White greasy tongue coating, slippery rapid pulse.
Use the aromatic transformation method to resolve nausea and reduce heat.
10g of Peilan leaves, 6g of Huo Xiang, 6g of Zhi Hou Po, 12g of Ban Xia (Pinellia), 3g of Chuan Lian (Coptis), 10g of Fo Shou (Citri Reticulatae), 10g of Da Fu Pi (Areca), 3g of ginger, 12g of Bao He Wan (Digestive Pill, wrapped), 12g of Chi Shao (Red Peony), and 10g of Jiao Mai Ya (Barley). 1g of Chen Xiang (Aquilaria) powder and 1g of Bai Dou Kou (Amomum) powder.
Grind and encapsulate, taking in two doses. Chen Xiang powder helps to descend the qi, while Bai Dou Kou powder helps to resolve dampness.If not treated properly, it may lead to dysentery.
Disperse and Transform Method (Upper and Middle Jiao)
Heat and dampness obstruct the lungs and stomach.
Symptoms: Cough with phlegm, chest fullness, constipation, yellow and red urine, thick yellow tongue coating, slippery pulse, and strong right pulse.
Use the disperse and transform method to clear the upper jiao and smooth the middle jiao.
3g of Qian Hu, 12g of Xiang Bei Mu (Fritillaria), 10g of Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel), 12g of Dou Chi (Fermented Soybean, wrapped), 3g of Shan Zhi (Gardenia), 12g of roasted Loquat leaves (wrapped), 10g of Huang Qin (Scutellaria), 15g of Bao He Wan (wrapped), 10g of Jiao Mai Ya, and 3g of Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange).
Spicy Opening and Bitter Descending Method (Middle Jiao)
Damp-heat disease, heat obstructing the middle jiao, dampness not transforming.
Symptoms: Dizziness and swelling, chest tightness, nausea, constipation, yellow and red urine, white greasy tongue coating, slippery pulse with a strong and deep pulse.
Use spicy opening to benefit the three jiao, and bitter descending to dry dampness.
10g of Bai Zhi, 12g of Peilan leaves, 3g of Bai Zhi, 10g of Ban Xia, 10g of Huang Qin, 3g of Huang Lian, 12g of fried Yi Yi Ren (Coix), 12g of Bai Dou Kou, 12g of Chi Ling, and 12g of Hua Shi (Talc).
Clear and Unblock Method (Middle and Lower Jiao)
Late stage of damp-warmth, body heat has subsided, symptoms are mild, residual heat remains, damp-heat accumulation is not cleared.
Symptoms: Constipation, poor bowel movement, abdominal discomfort, thick yellow tongue coating, slippery pulse, and strong right pulse.
Resolve residual pathogens and unblock the stomach and intestines.
10g of Bai Zhi, 6g of Fen Dan Pi (Moutan), 1g of Qing Hao (Artemisia), 3g of Zhi Shi (Bitter Orange), 12g of fresh Loquat leaves, 15g of Bao He Wan (wrapped), 30g of whole Gua Lou (Trichosanthes), 6g of Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), 12g of fried Yi Yi Ren, 12g of Shan Zha (Hawthorn) charcoal, 10g of Xing Ren, 12g of Yin Chen (Artemisia capillaris), 0.6g of Bai Dou Kou powder, and 1g each of raw and cooked Da Huang powder, ground together and encapsulated, taking in two doses.
Sweet Moistening and Harmonizing (Middle and Lower Jiao)
Early recovery from damp-warmth, pathogens have retreated but not cleared, middle Yang has not recovered, Yin is also deficient, and transformation is poor.
Symptoms: Poor appetite, general fatigue. Fat tongue, pale, slippery pulse, weak and without strength.
Use the method of resolving residual pathogens and sweet moistening to improve the condition. As the illness improves, dietary temperature should be carefully monitored.
12g of Chuan Shi Hu (Dendrobium), 6g of Fen Dan Pi, 0.5g of Qing Hao, 10g of sweet almonds, 12g of Shen Qu (Fermented Barley), 10g of Jin Nei Jin (Chicken Gizzard), 20g of winter melon seeds, 15g of Poria peel, 12g of raw and cooked barley malt, and 15g of Xiang Sha Zhi Zhu Wan (wrapped).
Acupoint Health Care for Damp-Heat Constitution
start of winter
Select points: Zhi Gou (Zhi Gou) and Yin Ling Quan (Yin Ling Spring).
Location: Zhi Gou is located on the dorsal side of the forearm, on the line connecting Yang Chi and the elbow tip, 3 inches above the wrist crease, between the ulna and radius. Yin Ling Quan is located on the inner side of the lower leg, at the depression behind the medial malleolus of the tibia.
Technique: Use finger rubbing technique. Yin Ling Quan can also be treated with gua sha; first apply gua sha oil, then scrape the area at a 45° angle with the gua sha board until the skin turns red or petechiae appear.
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Selected Recommendations
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Pediatrics: Acute Gastroenteritis, Pediatric Cold, Pediatric Pneumonia, Pediatric Anorexia, Pediatric Diarrhea, Pediatric Food Accumulation
Gynecology: Ovarian Cysts, Menopausal Syndrome, Premenstrual Tension, Cervicitis, Mammary Gland Hyperplasia, Vaginitis, Uterine Adhesions
Orthopedics: Low Back Pain, Knee Pain, Joint Dislocation, Cervical Spondylosis, Shoulder and Neck Pain, Sprain Management, Lumbar Disc Herniation, Arthritis, Frozen Shoulder
Internal Medicine: Acute Upper Respiratory Infection, Liver Protection, Allergic Rhinitis, Cough, Tuberculosis, Chronic Cough, Peptic Ulcer, Chronic Gastritis, Diarrhea, Pancreatitis, Chronic Gastritis, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Migraine, Myocardial Infarction Emergency, Stroke, Coronary Heart Disease, Kidney Stones
Dermatology: Shingles, Urticaria
Others: Oral Ulcers, Hemorrhoids, Throat Inflammation
Chronic Disease Management: Diabetes, Hypertension, Diabetes Complications, Blood Sugar, Gout
Medication Selection: Cough Medicine, Antifungal Drugs, Common Disease Combination Therapy, Painkillers, Stomach Medicine, Hypoglycemic Drugs, Aspirin, Antihypertensive Drugs, Antipyretics, Digestive Tablets, Nitroglycerin, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Water, Cephalosporins, Azithromycin, Xiao Chai Hu Decoction
Suitable TCM Techniques: Moxibustion, Needle Rescue, Point Application Therapy, Migraine Acupoint Treatment, Anti-Nausea Acupuncture, Acupoint Therapy
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