Nighttime Feveraccording to TCM

Symptom family: Fever and Temperature-Related Conditions

Parent symptom: Fever

Root Causes of Nighttime Fever in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Nighttime fever according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heat
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Blood Stasis
  • Pericardium
  • Triple Burner
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Nighttime Fever

Common Symptoms: Incoherent Or Confused Speech Restlessness Insomnia Delirium Aphasia Macules Irritability Lack Of Sweating

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Full Heat Yin Deficiency Fever at night, Nighttime fever, Lack of sweating, Emaciation with no loss of appetite Qin Jiao Bie Jia San
Heat in Nutritive Qi level Fever at night, Nighttime fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Restlessness, Insomnia, Delirium, Incoherent or confused speech, Aphasia, Macules... see more Qing Ying Tang | Bai He Di Huang Tang
Heat in Pericardium Fever at night, Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities... see more Qing Ying Tang | Zhi Bao Dan
Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency Night fever, Nighttime fever, Emaciation, Chronic pyelonephritis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Renal tuberculosis, Tidal fever, Hot palms and soles, Red skin eruptions, Night sweats, Generalized fatigue... see more Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner Night fever, Lower abdominal pain, Nighttime fever, Incoherent or confused speech, Irritability, Restlessness, Thirst, Amenorrhea, Menstrual cramps, Uterine fibroids, Retained placenta... see more Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Nighttime Fever

Common Symptoms: Lack Of Sweating Emaciation With No Loss Of Appetite Emaciation Chronic Pyelonephritis Pulmonary Tuberculosis Renal Tuberculosis Tidal Fever Hot Palms And Soles

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Full Heat Yin Deficiency Fever at night, Nighttime fever, Lack of sweating, Emaciation with no loss of appetite Qin Jiao Bie Jia San
Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency Night fever, Nighttime fever, Emaciation, Chronic pyelonephritis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Renal tuberculosis, Tidal fever, Hot palms and soles, Red skin eruptions, Night sweats, Generalized fatigue... see more Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Nighttime Fever

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner Night fever, Lower abdominal pain, Nighttime fever, Incoherent or confused speech, Irritability, Restlessness, Thirst, Amenorrhea, Menstrual cramps, Uterine fibroids, Retained placenta... see more Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Pericardium

In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more

Pericardium Patterns That Can Lead to Nighttime Fever

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat in Pericardium Fever at night, Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities... see more Qing Ying Tang | Zhi Bao Dan
Detailed description of the cause

Triple Burner

In TCM the Triple Burner (or San Jiao) is a unique concept rather than a physical organ. It's seen as a system that oversees the flow and balance of Qi and bodily fluids across three regions of the body: the upper (respiratory and cardiovascular systems), middle (digestive system), and lower (urinary and reproductive systems). The Triple Burner facilitates the interaction between these systems, ensuring harmony in bodily functions. When it malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of symptoms depending on the affected region, such as respiratory issues, digestive problems, or urinary and reproductive disorders. The malfunction can also manifest as general imbalances in energy flow, temperature regulation, and fluid metabolism, reflecting the Triple Burner's role as a coordinator of the body's various processes and its importance in maintaining overall balance and health.... see more

Triple Burner Patterns That Can Lead to Nighttime Fever

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner Night fever, Lower abdominal pain, Nighttime fever, Incoherent or confused speech, Irritability, Restlessness, Thirst, Amenorrhea, Menstrual cramps, Uterine fibroids, Retained placenta... see more Tao He Cheng Qi Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Nighttime Fever

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address nighttime fever, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Blood Stasis
  • Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
  • Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
  • Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Nighttime Fever Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Qing Ying Tang Heat in Nutritive Qi level, Heat in Pericardium
Qin Jiao Bie Jia San Full Heat Yin Deficiency
Bai He Di Huang Tang Heat in Nutritive Qi level
Zhi Bao Dan Heat in Pericardium
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner

All Formulas Recommended for Nighttime Fever Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Qin Jiao Bie Jia San Full Heat Yin Deficiency
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that clear heat from deficiency" recommended for nighttime fever

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qin Jiao Bie Jia San Full Heat Yin Deficiency
Bai He Di Huang Tang Heat in Nutritive Qi level
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency

Acupoints for Nighttime Fever

Explore below some acupoints used to address nighttime fever, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Pericardium Channel
Quze P-3

Quze P-3

On the transverse cubital crease, at the ulnar side of the tendon of biceps brachii muscle.

Laogong P-8

Laogong P-8

In the center of the palm, between the 2nd and the 3rd metacarpal bones, proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint.