There is help! In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), diseases caused by being too hot (temperature, not looks, lol) or too dry (called Yin deficiency in TCM) represent imbalances in the body’s environment. When the body is too hot and damp, certain immune symptoms can appear. Check out my damp blog here.  Being too hot, and/or dry, like a desert, can lead to different issues. Here’s a brief introduction to this concept:

Diseases Caused by Heat in TCM:

Examples:

• Heat in the Liver: Can manifest as irritability, headaches, and red eyes.
• Heat in the Stomach: May lead to symptoms like acid reflux, thirst, and a red tongue with a yellow coating.

Signs and Symptoms:

• High body temperature or fever
• Restlessness and irritability
• Excessive thirst
• Red complexion, especially on the face
• Rapid pulse
• Dark urine

Diseases Caused by Dryness (Yin Deficiency in TCM):

Example Syndrome:

• Yin Deficiency in the Kidneys: May result in night sweats, menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, and lower back pain.
• Yin Deficiency in the Lungs: Can lead to a dry cough, asthma, and skin rashes.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Heat sensations, especially in the palms, soles, or chest
• Night sweats
• Dry mouth and throat
• Insomnia
• Thirst without a desire to drink
• Emaciation or unintentional weight loss

Combined Heat and Dampness:

Example syndrome:

• Heat and Dampness in the Spleen: Digestive symptoms like poor appetite and abdominal fullness.
• Heat and Dampness in the Liver: Can lead to symptoms like fatty liver disease, gall bladder issues, jaundice and a bitter taste in the mouth.
• Heat and Dampness in the Lungs: May manifest as coughing with thick, yellow phlegm, bronchitis, or COPD.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat and Dampness together:

• Feeling of heaviness or lethargy
• Swelling or edema, inflammation, especially in the limbs
• Phlegm or yellow mucous production, chronic cough
• Digestive issues like bloating, nausea and loose stools
• Cloudy, scanty or turbid urine
• Feeling of warmth or heat accompanied by a heavy sensation
• Chronic sweating
• Skin eruptions or rashes with a red and moist appearance
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge or bowel movements

Addressing these imbalances in TCM typically involves strategies to clear excess heat, nourish moisture, and restore the overall balance of the body’s vital energies.

Herbal remedies, acupuncture, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications are commonly used to rebalance the system and alleviate symptoms associated with heat and Yin deficiency. Check out some food recommendations here.  It’s crucial to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner for personalized diagnosis and treatment based on individual health conditions.