The Start of Autumn, one of the twenty-four solar terms, heralds the waning of summer's heat and the approaching autumn.
Though the weather cools after this term, lingering summer heat persists, including the "autumn tiger" heatwave, so caution against heatstroke remains essential.
Heatstroke, termed "summer heat injury" in traditional Chinese medicine, is categorized as either yin or yang.
"Yang heatstroke results from exertion," while "Yin heatstroke arises from inactivity." Yang heatstroke stems from prolonged labor in high temperatures, poor ventilation, and high humidity during summer. Yin heatstroke, however, occurs from excessive avoidance of heat and overindulgence in cool environments.
What situations are prone to causing "yin heatstroke"?
1. Sleeping on a balcony or on a mat laid directly on the ground;
2. Being directly exposed to a fan while sleeping;
3.Spending excessive time cooling off under tree shade, in water pavilions, by the sea, or on balconies;
4. Taking cold showers immediately after sweating from exercise or labor;
5. Consuming large quantities of cold beverages.
Engaging in these behaviors during sleep, afternoon rest, or cooling off can allow wind, cold, and damp pathogens to invade the body, triggering "yin heat."Daytime temperatures are high, but the night-day temperature difference often widens, with alternating heat and cold further increasing the risk of yin heat damage.
What are the main manifestations of "yin heat"?
Primarily: fever, headache, absence of sweating, aversion to cold, joint aches, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Clinically, the elderly, children, pregnant women, the infirm, and those with chronic conditions should be especially cautious about excessive heat avoidance and seeking coolness, preventing cold and dampness invasion that triggers "yin heatstroke." Yin heatstroke results from cold exposure during summer months, with slower onset and less pronounced symptoms than yang heatstroke, making it prone to misdiagnosis.
What to do after developing yin heatstroke? My experience suggests the following key points:
1.Gua Sha therapy: Several years ago, I began using a buffalo horn Gua Sha board to treat heatstroke. Through scraping and shaking motions, it promotes joint and meridian flow, regulates qi and blood circulation, and harmonizes yin and yang. 2. Oral administration of Huoxiang Zhengqi Water or Huoxiang Zhengqi Capsules, which disperse exterior pathogens, transform dampness, regulate qi, and harmonize the middle jiao. Combining this with Gua Sha yields good results for treating Yin Heatstroke.
3. Drink ample water, at least 1000 milliliters daily;
4. Consume light tea, congee, vegetable broth, soy milk, fruit juice, etc.;
5. Eat cooling fruits like pears and watermelon;
6.Increase intake of heat-clearing, fluid-generating, and yin-nourishing foods; avoid or minimize spicy, drying, and greasy foods;
7. Reduce alcohol consumption;
8. Balance work and rest, ensuring adequate sleep.
Below are common summer heat remedies and their recommended usage scenarios.
Huoxiang Zhengqi Water (Tablets, Capsules): This time-honored classic formula is the most commonly used heat-clearing and summer-heat-relieving medicine. It alleviates summer heat, transforms dampness, and harmonizes the middle jiao. Primary symptoms include dizziness, chest tightness, vomiting, diarrhea, and epigastric/abdominal distension and pain. As summer is dominated by "damp-heat," it simultaneously transforms dampness while supporting spleen-stomach qi.It is most effective for heatstroke and gastrointestinal flu characterized by vomiting and diarrhea. For preventive use, take one-third of the therapeutic dose per serving. Avoid cold and raw foods during treatment. Individuals with severe chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, or kidney disease, as well as children, pregnant women, lactating women, and the elderly or frail, should use under medical supervision.
Liu Yi San: A renowned heatstroke remedy with the simplest formulation—talcum and licorice in a 6:1 ratio, hence its name. This powder clears heat and promotes urination, addressing symptoms like urinary difficulty after heatstroke. Simply dissolve it in cool boiled water.
Rendan: Possesses properties to clear heat, detoxify, dispel summer heat, stop vomiting, cool the body, and open the orifices. It can also be used to reduce fever. For symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, and chest tightness caused by hot weather, take 10 pills each time, either by letting them dissolve in the mouth or swallowing with cool boiled water. Not suitable for infants and children.
Shidiquishui: This commonly used herbal remedy dispels summer heat, alleviates cold symptoms, and strengthens digestion. Its rapid onset is notable. For heatstroke symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, dissolve 2-5 ml in boiled water, stir well, and consume. Relief should follow promptly.Drinking a small amount before high-temperature work also helps prevent heatstroke. Note that Ten-Drop Water contains medicinal ingredients with some toxicity; avoid excessive use. Children, breastfeeding women, and the elderly or frail should take it under medical supervision. Pregnant women should not use it.
Qing Shu Yi Qi Pills: Dispels summer heat and dampness while replenishing qi and generating fluids. Extreme heat easily depletes qi and fluids, leading to fever, thirst, fatigue, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and heatstroke with qi deficiency symptoms. Formulated with American ginseng, Anemarrhena rhizome, and Coptis rhizome, this remedy not only clears summer heat and dampness but also boosts qi and fluids, making it particularly suitable for frail elderly individuals.