Evening Heat Sensationaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Heat Sensations and Intolerance
Parent symptom: Feeling Of Heat
Did you mean? Afternoon Heat Sensation
What is Evening Heat Sensation?
Evening heat sensation, medically known as a feeling of heat, is characterized by an unusual warmth experienced predominantly in the evenings. This symptom is often described as an overwhelming sense of heat or warmth in the body, which tends to intensify as the day progresses. While it can be a standalone condition, evening heat sensation is commonly associated with underlying health issues and can significantly impact an individual's comfort and well-being.
How Does TCM View Evening Heat Sensation?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), evening heat sensation is viewed through the lens of balance and harmony within the body's energy systems. Unlike Western medicine, which might attribute this symptom to hormonal changes or metabolic issues, TCM considers it a manifestation of internal disharmony. Identifying the right pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective treatment.
Root Causes of Evening Heat Sensation in TCM
One common cause of evening heat sensation in TCM is Kidney Yin Deficiency. This pattern is characterized by a lack of nourishing Bodu Fluids in the Kidneys, leading to symptoms such as excessive sweating, back pain, dry mouth and throat at night, and a general feeling of heat, especially in the evening.
Another prevalent cause is Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing. This condition is marked by flushed cheekbones, restlessness, insomnia, night sweats, and a distinct low-grade fever that rises in the afternoon and evening.
Explore below more details about what might cause Evening heat sensation according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yin Deficiency
- Heat
- Kidney
- Heart
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 Evening Heat Sensation
Common Symptoms: Dizziness Tinnitus Flushed Cheekbones Night Sweats Restlessness Scanty Menstruation Back Pain Knee Weakness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yin Deficiency | Feeling of heat in the evening, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more | Zuo Gui Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing | Feeling of heat in the evening, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
| Kidney-Deficiency | Feeling of heat in the evening, Scanty menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Back pain, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Frequent urination, Late menstruation, Chills, Cold extremities... see more | You Gui Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Er Zhi Wan | Liang Di Tang |
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 Evening Heat Sensation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing | Feeling of heat in the evening, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Evening Heat Sensation
Common Symptoms: Dizziness Tinnitus Night Sweats Restlessness Flushed Cheekbones Hearing Loss Lower Back Pain Scanty And Dark Urine
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yin Deficiency | Feeling of heat in the evening, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more | Zuo Gui Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing | Feeling of heat in the evening, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
| Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized | Feeling of heat in the evening, Palpitations, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Poor memory, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emissions with dreams, Evening heat sensation, Dry mouth and throat at night, Preference for sipping, Night sweats, Heat sensation in palms, Scanty and dark urine, Dry stools... see more | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Jiao Tai Wan | Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin |
| Kidney-Deficiency | Feeling of heat in the evening, Scanty menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Back pain, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Frequent urination, Late menstruation, Chills, Cold extremities... see more | You Gui Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Er Zhi Wan | Liang Di Tang |
Heart
In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more
Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Evening Heat Sensation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized | Feeling of heat in the evening, Palpitations, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Poor memory, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emissions with dreams, Evening heat sensation, Dry mouth and throat at night, Preference for sipping, Night sweats, Heat sensation in palms, Scanty and dark urine, Dry stools... see more | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Jiao Tai Wan | Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Evening Heat Sensation
For addressing evening heat sensation, TCM utilizes specific herbal formulas tailored to the individual's pattern of disharmony. For Kidney Yin Deficiency, Zuo Gui Wan is a fundamental formula that nourishes Yin and supports overall Kidney health. Another effective formula is Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, which also targets Yin Deficiency but includes additional herbs to enhance the formula's nourishing effects.
When dealing with Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is often prescribed. This formula, which includes Prepared Rehmannia, helps nourish Yin and alleviate the feeling of heat. Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan, containing Anemarrhena Rhizomes, is also used to clear internal heat and provide relief from the intense evening warmth.
For those with a pattern of Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized, Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang is recommended. This formula nourishes the Heart and calms the mind, addressing symptoms like palpitations, restlessness, and insomnia. Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan, which cools the blood and calms the spirit, is another suitable option for restoring harmony and reducing evening heat sensations.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address evening heat sensation, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yin Deficiency
- Heat
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Zuo Gui Wan
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause evening heat sensation, such as Kidney-Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Evening Heat Sensation Caused by Yin Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney-Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| You Gui Wan | Kidney-Deficiency |
| Er Zhi Wan | Kidney-Deficiency |
| Liang Di Tang | Kidney-Deficiency |
| Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
Top Formula for Heat:
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause evening heat sensation, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Evening Heat Sensation Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some evening heat sensation-causing patterns like Kidney-Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Zuo Gui Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for evening heat sensation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney-Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Er Zhi Wan | Kidney-Deficiency |
| Liang Di Tang | Kidney-Deficiency |
| Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
These formulas are suitable for some evening heat sensation-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized.
One such formula is Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang, with biota seeds as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for evening heat sensation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized |
| Jiao Tai Wan | Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized |
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some evening heat sensation-causing patterns like Kidney-Deficiency.
One such formula is You Gui Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some evening heat sensation-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
These formulas are suitable for some evening heat sensation-causing patterns like Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized.
One such formula is Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin, with lotus seeds as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Evening Heat Sensation
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address evening heat sensation, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Evening heat sensation can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for evening heat sensation, like You Gui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for evening heat sensation
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | You Gui Wan |
| Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) | You Gui Wan |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Evening heat sensation can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for evening heat sensation, like Zuo Gui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for evening heat sensation
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Zuo Gui Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
| Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Evening heat sensation can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for evening heat sensation, like Er Zhi Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for evening heat sensation
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi) | Er Zhi Wan |
| Eclipta Herbs (Mo han lian) | Er Zhi Wan |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Evening heat sensation can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for evening heat sensation, like Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for evening heat sensation
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo) | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Jiao Tai Wan |
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Evening heat sensation can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for evening heat sensation, like You Gui Wan.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Evening heat sensation can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for evening heat sensation, like Liang Di Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Evening heat sensation can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for evening heat sensation, like Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Evening heat sensation can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for evening heat sensation, like Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Evening heat sensation can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Lotus Seeds (Lian Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for evening heat sensation, like Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin.