Excessive Chest Sweating and TCM Management

  In this condition, excessive sweating mainly occurs on the chest. It often arises from a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, a fluctuating blood sugar level, hyperthyroidism, tuberculosis, rheumatic fever and certain infections. People should get a through checkup to rule out any underlying problem; meanwhile, they can try Chinese methods for the relief of excessive sweating.

  Sweating is essential for keeping the body from becoming overheated. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), sweat is the fluid of the heart, and excessive sweating is considered an exploitation of qi and heart blood leading to symptoms such as palpitations, sleeping difficulties and poor memory. Excessive chest sweating signifies an internal weakness, which can be located in the heart, spleen, or kidney system, or a depletion of blood and qi (vital energy).

Deficiency of heart and spleen

  Excessive chest sweating may be accompanied by shortness of breath, palpitations, forgetfulness, poor appetite, abdominal distention and loose bowels. The tongue is pale and the pulse is weak. The remedy should invigorate the heart and spleen, replenish qi and reconsolidate the exterior body.

Deficiency of heart and kidney

  Excessive chest sweating that may be accompanied with sleeping difficulties, palpitations, dizziness, ear ringing, mouth dryness, lumbar soreness, knee weakness, vivid dreams, spermatic emission, hot flashes, red tongue, thready and rapid pulse. The remedy should nourish and invigorate the heart as well as the kidney.

  People who over-use their brain are usually deficient in the storage of qi and blood, which means their heart and spleen need to work harder to obtain the fundamental substances. Heavy sweating in the center of the chest is a common symptom, which usually accompanied by with mental exhaustion, digestive problems and sleeping difficulties. TCM calls this “heart sweating”. In order to combat mental exhaustion and relieve sweating, foods like longan aril, lotus seed, Chinese yam, red dates, euryale seed, pumpkin, mushrooms, egg, sour jujube seed, poria, ginseng and pilose asiabell root should be added to the diet.

  Regular exercise is crucial in maintaining health, harmony and overall well-being. Moderate and gentle-flowing activities are the best for moving qi and blood around the body, and to relax and promote internal balance.