Heat Stroke in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different heat stroke patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Heat stroke, also known as heatstroke or sunstroke, is a severe condition caused by the body’s inability to regulate its temperature in extreme heat. When exposed to high temperatures, especially with high humidity, the body's cooling mechanisms, such as sweating, become overwhelmed. This can lead to a rapid rise in body temperature, potentially causing damage to the brain and other vital organs. Symptoms include a high body temperature (above 104°F or 40°C), confusion, altered mental state, rapid breathing, and a lack of sweating despite the heat.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), heat stroke is viewed through the lens of internal imbalances and disharmony. Unlike Western medicine, which focuses on the immediate physiological responses to heat, TCM considers various patterns of disharmony that may lead to the condition.
Identifying the correct pattern is crucial for effective treatment. Heat stroke in TCM can be caused by the invasion of external pathogenic factors such as Summer Heat, combined with internal imbalances such as Qi Deficiency or Dampness.
TCM Patterns for Heat Stroke
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause heat stroke
Summer Heat with Heat Stagnation in the Liver and Gallbladder
Recommended herbal formulas
Damp-Heat in the Bladder
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Thick sticky yellow coating on the root with red spots.
Recommended herbal formulas
Summer-Heat
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Soggy (Ru)
Red in the front or sides with a white sticky coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Heat Stroke
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address heat stroke