Alternating Fever And Chills in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different alternating fever and chills patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Condition Categories

Fever and Temperature-Related Conditions
5
TCM Patterns
7
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 5 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each alternating fever and chills pattern
Classical remedies 7 herbal formulas documented

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), alternating fever and chills are seen as manifestations of underlying imbalances within the body. TCM attributes these symptoms to disharmony between Yin and Yang, as well as disruptions in Qi and Blood. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective treatment, as TCM aims to restore balance and harmony within the body through tailored therapies.

TCM Patterns for Alternating Fever And Chills

Phlegm

Thick, sticky pathological fluid that obstructs body functions and can manifest anywhere in the body

Causes: Alternating fever and chills

2 variations documented
Onset Gradual
Location Local or systemic
Features Nodules/lumps • Heavy sensation • Mucus/expectoration • Mental confusion (if affecting mind)

Phlegm is both a pathological product and a pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It results from impaired fluid metabolism when the body's transformative functions fail, particularly affecting the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys. Classical texts emphasize that "the Spleen is the source of phlegm production, while the Lungs are the storage vessel for phlegm."

Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
How it presents with alternating fever and chills

Alternating fever and chills

Along with: Feeling of heaviness, Muscle pain, Lack of sweating, Absence of thirst, Profuse white sputum, Swollen limbs,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm
How it presents with alternating fever and chills

Alternating fever and chills

Along with: Coughing, Asthma, Edema, Stifling sensation in the chest, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Stagnation

Blocked or disrupted flow of vital energy causing distending pain, emotional distress, and symptoms that worsen with stress

Causes: Alternating fever and chills

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual (can be sudden)
Location Can be local or systemic
Features Distending/moving pain • Emotional stress worsens • Sighing • Pain relieved by movement/burping

Qi Stagnation is a fundamental pathological pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the smooth flow of vital energy becomes obstructed, creating areas of pressure, pain, and dysfunction throughout the body.

Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with alternating fever and chills

Alternating fever and chills

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Stasis

Blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels

Causes: Alternating fever and chills

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual (trauma=sudden)
Location Often local, can be systemic
Features Fixed/stabbing pain • Purple/dark coloration • Masses/tumors • Pain worse at night

Blood Stasis represents blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels, either moving too slowly, pooling in certain areas, or congealing into clots. It's one of the most important pathological conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine and can be both a result of disease and a cause of further illness.

Blood Stagnation with Heat
How it presents with alternating fever and chills

Alternating fever and chills

Along with: Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Guarding of the abdominal musculature, Groin pain, Appendicitis, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Iliac abscess,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Deficiency

Insufficient blood to nourish the body, causing paleness, dizziness, and dryness throughout the system

Causes: Alternating fever and chills

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual
Location Systemic
Features Pale face/lips/nails • Blurred vision • Dizziness • Scanty menses • Numbness

Blood Deficiency represents a fundamental lack of blood volume or quality in the body, resulting in organs, tissues, and the mind being undernourished. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, blood not only refers to the red fluid in our vessels but encompasses the body's entire nourishing and moistening functions.

Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
How it presents with alternating fever and chills

Alternating fever and chills

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Anemia, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Heat

Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes

Causes: Alternating fever and chills

1 variation documented
Onset Can be sudden
Location Can be local or systemic
Features Red face/eyes • Thirst for cold drinks • Restlessness • Yellow/dark secretions

Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.

Blood Stagnation with Heat
How it presents with alternating fever and chills

Alternating fever and chills

Along with: Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Guarding of the abdominal musculature, Groin pain, Appendicitis, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Iliac abscess,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Alternating Fever And Chills

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address alternating fever and chills

Chai Hu Shu Gan San

Addresses these alternating fever and chills patterns:

Qi Stagnation

Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang

Addresses these alternating fever and chills patterns:

Blood Stasis Heat

Da Qing Long Tang

Addresses these alternating fever and chills patterns:

Phlegm

Xiao Qing Long Tang

Addresses these alternating fever and chills patterns:

Phlegm

Xiao Yao San

Addresses these alternating fever and chills patterns:

Blood Deficiency

Xiao Chai Hu Tang

Traditional formula for alternating fever and chills

Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang

Traditional formula for alternating fever and chills