As the old saying goes, "Sweat is the fluid of the heart." But did you know that sweating in different areas of the body may indicate the health status of the internal organs? Today, let's talk about the principles behind sweating and teach you three targeted approaches for regulation.

【Sweating on the Neck and Chest—A Warning Sign of Lung Qi Deficiency】

Some people experience wetness on their neck and chest even with slight activity—this is not simply a matter of feeling hot. Traditional Chinese medicine states that "the lungs govern the skin and hair." The opening and closing of the pores on our body's surface are entirely regulated by lung qi. If lung qi is insufficient, it’s like a door hinge lacking lubrication—the pores fail to close properly, and sweat flows out uncontrollably. Such individuals often also experience symptoms like speaking with little energy, getting breathless after climbing just two flights of stairs, catching frequent colds during seasonal changes, and being sensitive to wind.

The key to regulation lies in tonifying lung qi. The classic formula Jade Screen Powder, often prescribed by experienced TCM practitioners, is effective. In this formula, astragalus (Huang Qi) tonifies qi, atractylodes (Bai Zhu) strengthens the spleen, and saposhnikovia root (Fang Feng) secures the exterior. The combination of these three herbs is like adding a protective shield to the body. For daily maintenance, you can steep 10 grams of astragalus in water to drink as tea, paired with deep-breathing exercises, to gradually nourish lung qi.

【Head Sweating Like Rain During Meals—A Sign of Stomach Fire】

Have you ever encountered someone like this? They break out in a profuse sweat all over their head as soon as they start eating, as if their hair were freshly washed. This is not a sign of a good appetite but rather a disturbance caused by damp-heat in the spleen and stomach. The stomach meridian runs through the head, and when damp-heat rises, it acts like a steamer, pushing sweat upward. Such individuals often experience symptoms like bitter taste in the mouth, bad breath, swollen and painful gums, sticky and greasy stools, and abdominal bloating.

At this point, it is necessary to clear stomach heat. Huoxiang Qingwei Pills are the appropriate remedy. The patchouli inside them has a fragrant property that transforms dampness, while gardenia clears heat and purges fire. Combined with dietary adjustments, the effects are even better. It is advisable to reduce the intake of spicy and greasy foods. Boiling some barley and winter melon soup can be beneficial, as it helps drain dampness and clear heat. Drinking it two to three times a week will gradually help reduce head sweating.

【Back Sweating Like Cold Raindrops — Kidney Yang Is in Urgent Danger】

Some individuals may feel their backs become cold and sweat flowing like a stream with just slight movement, feeling icy to the touch. This may be a sign of kidney yang deficiency. The back is traversed by the bladder meridian, and the bladder and kidneys are interrelated. Insufficient kidney yang is akin to a boiler lacking enough firepower, causing abnormal water metabolism and allowing cold dampness to seep out along the meridians. These individuals often experience cold hands and feet, listlessness, and frequent nighttime urination.

To regulate this, it is necessary to warm and tonify kidney yang. Guifu Dihuang Pills are a classic prescription, with cinnamon and aconite to warm yang, and prepared rehmannia and Chinese yam to tonify the kidneys—like installing a small sun in the body. In daily life, consuming more walnuts, Chinese chives, and lamb is recommended. Coupled with moxibustion at the Guanyuan acupoint (three inches below the navel), twice a week for 15 minutes each session, can gradually replenish yang energy.

Sweating is the body's barometer, with different areas corresponding to various internal organs. If you experience prolonged abnormal sweating, don’t dismiss it lightly. Timely regulation can help prevent issues before they arise. Remember these three approaches: nourish lung qi, clear stomach heat, and warm kidney yang to restore the body to a balanced state.