The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Pattern factsheet
Diagnosis
This pattern often happens during hot summer and in very humid environment. Therefore, the condition is mostly acute.
The combination of Summer Heat and Dampness can att
Diagnosing Summer Heat with Dampness
'Heat' as a body pattern in Chinese Medicine is one of the so-called "Eight Principles". Learn more about Heat pattern in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu) or soggy (Ru)
Tongue description: Red tongue with white sticky coating
Possible symptoms: Fever Thirst Anxiety Sweating Lassitude Headaches Loose stools Sticky stools Poor appetite Chest fullness Scanty urination Aversion to cold Nausea or vomiting Shortness of breath Feeling of heaviness Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium
Diagnosing a pattern in Chinese Medicine is no easy feat and should be left to professional practitioners.
In particular one has to know how to differentiate between different types of pulses and tongue coatings, shapes and colors. Here patients with Summer Heat with Dampness will tend to exhibit rapid (Shu) or soggy (Ru) pulses.
Practitioners also learn to read from a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms. Here patients with Summer Heat with Dampness might experience symptoms like nausea or vomiting, lassitude, shortness of breath and sticky stools (full list here above).
Herbal formulas used to treat Summer Heat with Dampness
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Key actions: Releases the Exterior. Transforms Dampness. Regulates Qi. Harmonizes the Middle Burner.
Formula summary
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San is a 11-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Korean Mint (Huo Xiang) as a principal ingredient. Invented in 1107 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach.
Besides Summer Heat with Dampness, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San is also used to treat Stomach Qi rebelling upwards or Damp-Heat.
Diet recommendations
Try some vegetable or fruits that is good for clearing Summer Heat and Dampness such as water melon, cucumber or loofah.
