Symptom family: Fever and Temperature-Related Conditions
Parent symptom: Fever
Explore below more details about what might cause High fever according to TCM.
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
Common Symptoms: Perspiration Feeling Hot Convulsions Stiff Neck Opisthotonos Excessive Thirst Flushed Face Irritability
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Bright Yang Stomach Heat | High fever, Perspiration, Excessive thirst, Flushed face, Feeling hot, Irritability, Delirium... see more | Bai Hu Tang |
Heat victorious agitating Blood | High fever, Restlessness, Mania, Macules, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Hematochezia, Hematuria... see more | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang |
Heat victorious stirring Wind | High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Eyeballs turning up, Clenching of teeth... see more | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang |
Lung Heat | High fever, Feeling hot, Thirst, Cough with thin yellow sputum, Shortness of breath, Perspiration, Acne... see more | Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin | Xie Bai San |
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat | High temperature, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Feng Yin Tang |
In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more
Common Symptoms: Stiff Neck Convulsions Opisthotonos Perspiration Excessive Thirst Flushed Face Feeling Hot Irritability
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Bright Yang Stomach Heat | High fever, Perspiration, Excessive thirst, Flushed face, Feeling hot, Irritability, Delirium... see more | Bai Hu Tang |
Heat victorious stirring Wind | High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Eyeballs turning up, Clenching of teeth... see more | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang |
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency | High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more | Ren Shen Bai Du San |
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat | High temperature, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Feng Yin Tang |
In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more
Common Symptoms: Perspiration Excessive Thirst Flushed Face Feeling Hot Irritability Delirium Fever Without Perspiration Headaches
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Bright Yang Stomach Heat | High fever, Perspiration, Excessive thirst, Flushed face, Feeling hot, Irritability, Delirium... see more | Bai Hu Tang |
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency | High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more | Ren Shen Bai Du San |
In TCM "Shen" refers to the mind or spirit, and a Shen disturbance is a pattern of disharmony that affects the mental and emotional state. This concept reflects the TCM belief in the deep interconnectedness of mind and body. Symptoms of Shen disturbance can vary widely but often include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, confusion, or in severe cases, hallucinations or delirium. These symptoms indicate an imbalance in the body's energies affecting the heart, which in TCM is not only the center of blood circulation but also the seat of the mind and consciousness. The root of Shen disturbance can be traced to various factors, including emotional stress, physical illness, or an imbalance in fundamental substances like Qi, Yin, or Yang.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Heat victorious agitating Blood | High fever, Restlessness, Mania, Macules, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Hematochezia, Hematuria... see more | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang |
Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency | High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more | Ren Shen Bai Du San |
"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency | High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more | Ren Shen Bai Du San |
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: Convulsions Stiff Neck Opisthotonos Loss Of Consciousness Limb Twitching Eyeballs Turning Up Clenching Of Teeth Hand Tremor
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Heat victorious stirring Wind | High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Eyeballs turning up, Clenching of teeth... see more | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang |
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat | High temperature, High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Feng Yin Tang |
In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Bright Yang Stomach Heat | High fever, Perspiration, Excessive thirst, Flushed face, Feeling hot, Irritability, Delirium... see more | Bai Hu Tang |
In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Lung Heat | High fever, Feeling hot, Thirst, Cough with thin yellow sputum, Shortness of breath, Perspiration, Acne... see more | Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin | Xie Bai San |
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address high fever, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause high fever, such as Heat victorious stirring Wind or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Heat victorious stirring Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat... see more |
Bai Hu Tang | Bright Yang Stomach Heat |
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Heat victorious agitating Blood |
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Lung Heat |
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Lung Heat |
Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin | Lung Heat |
Xie Bai San | Lung Heat |
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause high fever, such as Heat victorious stirring Wind or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Heat victorious stirring Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat... see more |
Bai Hu Tang | Bright Yang Stomach Heat |
Ren Shen Bai Du San | Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency |
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause high fever, such as Bright Yang Stomach Heat
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Bai Hu Tang | Bright Yang Stomach Heat |
Ren Shen Bai Du San | Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency |
Suitable for Mind Disturbance patterns that may cause high fever, such as Heat victorious agitating Blood
Learn moreSuitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause high fever, such as Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
Learn moreSuitable for Dampness patterns that may cause high fever, such as Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some high fever-causing patterns like Heat victorious stirring Wind or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat.
One such formula is Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, with saiga antelope's horns as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Heat victorious stirring Wind, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat... see more |
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat |
These formulas are suitable for some high fever-causing patterns like Lung Heat.
One such formula is Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Lung Heat |
Xie Bai San | Lung Heat |
These formulas are suitable for some high fever-causing patterns like Bright Yang Stomach Heat.
One such formula is Bai Hu Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some high fever-causing patterns like Heat victorious agitating Blood.
One such formula is Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some high fever-causing patterns like Lung Heat.
One such formula is Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan, with arisaema with bile as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some high fever-causing patterns like Lung Heat.
One such formula is Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin, with loquat leaves as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some high fever-causing patterns like Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency.
One such formula is Ren Shen Bai Du San, with notopterygium root as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some high fever-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat.
One such formula is Feng Yin Tang, with dragon bones as a key herb.
High fever can be treated by these formulas in situations where the body is affected by both the oppressive summer heat and an internal heat excess, needing cooling and heat-clearing actions.
One such formula is Qing Luo Yin, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
High fever can be treated by these formulas when there's a combination of weakened vital energy and the effects of summer heat, requiring both cooling and energy boosting.
One such formula is Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang, with american ginseng as a key herb.
High fever can be treated by these formulas if it results from a combination of deficiency and excess conditions, needing both tonification and purging actions.
One such formula is Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang, with ningpo figwort root as a key herb.
See more details below about Quchi LI-11, an acupoint used to address high fever.
When the elbow is flexed, Quchi LI-11 is in the depression at the lateral end of the cubital crease, midway between Chize LU-5 and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.