Symptom family: Fever and Temperature-Related Conditions
Explore below more details about what might cause Alternating fever and chills according to TCM.
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Common Symptoms: Feeling Of Heaviness Muscle Pain Lack Of Sweating Absence Of Thirst Profuse White Sputum Body Pain Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Viral Conjunctivitis
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs | Alternating fever and chills, Feeling of heaviness, Muscle pain, Lack of sweating, Absence of thirst, Profuse white sputum, Swollen limbs, Urinary dysfunction... see more | Da Qing Long Tang |
Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm | Alternating fever and chills, Coughing, Asthma, Edema, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum... see more | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Liver Qi Stagnation | Alternating fever and chills, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more | Chai Hu Shu Gan San |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
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Blood Stagnation with Heat | Alternating fever and chills, Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Guarding of the abdominal musculature, Groin pain, Appendicitis, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Iliac abscess, Subcutaneous abscess, Renal abscess, Liver abscess, Lung abscess... see more | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang |
Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen | Alternating fever and chills, Chest distension, Chest pain, Anemia, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Lack of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea... see more | Xiao Yao San |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Blood Stagnation with Heat | Alternating fever and chills, Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Guarding of the abdominal musculature, Groin pain, Appendicitis, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Iliac abscess, Subcutaneous abscess, Renal abscess, Liver abscess, Lung abscess... see more | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang |
In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more
Common Symptoms: Chest Distension Irregular Periods Lack Of Appetite Hepatitis Chronic Gastritis Peptic Ulcer Breast Engorgement Headaches
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Liver Qi Stagnation | Alternating fever and chills, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more | Chai Hu Shu Gan San |
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen | Alternating fever and chills, Chest distension, Chest pain, Anemia, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Lack of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea... see more | Xiao Yao San |
In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen | Alternating fever and chills, Chest distension, Chest pain, Anemia, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Lack of appetite, Irregular periods, Leukorrhea... see more | Xiao Yao San |
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address alternating fever and chills, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause alternating fever and chills, such as Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Da Qing Long Tang | Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs |
Xiao Qing Long Tang | Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm |
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause alternating fever and chills, such as Liver Qi Stagnation
Learn moreSuitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause alternating fever and chills, such as Blood Stagnation with Heat
Learn moreSuitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause alternating fever and chills, such as Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
Learn moreSuitable for Heat patterns that may cause alternating fever and chills, such as Blood Stagnation with Heat
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some alternating fever and chills-causing patterns like Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs.
One such formula is Da Qing Long Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Da Qing Long Tang | Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs |
Xiao Qing Long Tang | Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm |
These formulas are suitable for some alternating fever and chills-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation.
One such formula is Chai Hu Shu Gan San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some alternating fever and chills-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation with Heat.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some alternating fever and chills-causing patterns like Lesser Yang stage.
One such formula is Xiao Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some alternating fever and chills-causing patterns like Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen.
One such formula is Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Explore below some acupoints used to address alternating fever and chills, organized by meridian.
On the lateral mandible, on the anterior border of masseter muscle, in the groove-like depression appearing when the cheek is bulged.
In the 3nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Posterior and superior to the mastoid process, at the junction of the upper third and the two lower thirds of the curved line connecting Tianchong GB-9 and Wangu GB-12.
1 cun posterior to the Toulingqi GB-15 or 1.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline, on the pupil line which is 2.25 cun lateral to the midline.
In the 1st posterior sacral foramen, about midway between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the midline.
On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1).