Hyperhidrosis and Chinese herbal medicine – addressing the root cause of your sweating problems.
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Introduction
"I've only moved a little, but I can't stop sweating.""My hands sweat so much that my documents get wet.""I'm not good at shaking hands with people.""When I get nervous, I sweat profusely from my face.""I sweat not only in the summer but also in the winter."
Many people suffer from this kind of excessive sweating problem.
Sweating is an essential function for humans to regulate their body temperature. However, excessive sweating is called "hyperhidrosis."
In Japan, a large number of people suffer from hyperhidrosis, and many experience significant disruption to their daily lives due to excessive sweating, particularly in the palms of their hands, soles of their feet, armpits, and face.
While there are various treatment options available today, such as topical creams, oral medications, and botulinum toxin therapy, herbal medicine is a popular choice for those who want to improve their constitution or prefer treatments with fewer side effects.
This article will provide a detailed explanation of the causes and types of hyperhidrosis, the approach using traditional Chinese medicine, and methods for improving lifestyle habits.
Sweat is not a bad thing.
First, I want you to understand that sweat itself is not a bad thing.
Sweat plays the following important roles:
Body temperature regulation• Protect the skin・Prevent heatstroke- Eliminates a small amount of waste products- Maintain skin moisture
We sweat when we exercise or when it's hot.
This is a normal function to prevent body temperature from rising too high.
The problem is
・Sweating excessively・Sweating regardless of temperature- It interferes with daily life.
This is the situation.
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which the body sweats more than is necessary for regulating body temperature.
Medically
"Sweating so severe that it interferes with daily life"
This is how it is defined.
for example
- The paper gets wet- Smartphones are difficult to operate.- Underarm sweat stains clothes・Foot sweat causes shoes to get stuffy.- It's painful to be in front of people
If you experience these symptoms, you may have hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
There are two types of hyperhidrosis.
Primary hyperhidrosis
This type does not have an underlying disease.
The most common type
I've had it since I was a child.• There are also family members who suffer from hyperhidrosis.・Sweating occurs symmetrically on both sides of the body.- I sweat less while sleeping.
It has the following characteristics.
Secondary hyperhidrosis
It is caused by some kind of illness.
for example
Hyperthyroidism·diabetesMenopausal symptoms• Infectious diseases• Neurological disordersSide effects of medication
These are some examples.
If you suddenly experience increased sweating, it's important to have the cause investigated at a medical institution.
How we sweat
Sweating is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system.
Normally
hot↓
The brain detects the rise in body temperature.↓
The sympathetic nervous system is activated.↓
Sweat comes out of the sweat glands
That's the general flow.
However, in hyperhidrosis
・Sympathetic nervous system is overactive• Sweat glands are prone to reaction
It is believed that this is the current state.
Why do we sweat when we're nervous?
"interview""meeting""Presentation""test"
Many people sweat more in situations like this.
This is called psychogenic sweating.
Stress and tension stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.
Sweaty handsunderarm sweatFacial sweat
The number will increase rapidly.
moreover
"What if I start sweating?"
I have this concern
To increase sweating
This creates a vicious cycle.
How is hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) viewed in traditional Chinese medicine?
Western medicine focuses on suppressing sweating itself,
In traditional Chinese medicine
"Why do we sweat?"
We place importance on this physical constitution.
Even though it's the same hyperhidrosis
People with physical strengthPeople who tire easilyPeople who are prone to feeling coldPeople who get dizzy
Therefore, the herbal medicines used will differ.
The concept of "Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids" in traditional Chinese medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine
Qi (energy)
Blood (nutrition)
Water (body fluid)
I believe that finding the right balance is important.
Sweat is a part of "water".
moreover
I'm worried
Prevent excessive sweating.
It has that function.
Therefore
When you lack vital energy
Sweat will leak more easily.
Qi deficiency type
This is the most common type.
Features
・ Easily fatiguedI tend to catch colds easily.·shortness of breath• Poor appetiteI sweat just from moving a little.
In this type
Weak ability to protect the body
Sweat is leaking out.
Commonly used herbal medicines
Hochuekkito (a type of Chinese medicine)
To replenish physical strength
To improve digestive health
It helps improve a tendency to sweat easily.
It is often used for people who experience severe fatigue.
Stress type
It's caused by mental stress.
Features
・ I sweat when I get nervousIrritation·anxiety・Stiff shoulders・Sigh
Saikokaryukotsuboreito (a traditional Chinese medicine formula)
Calm down mental excitement
It helps regulate the autonomic nervous system.
Kamishoyosan
stress
Hormone balance
Autonomic nervous system
These will be arranged.
While it is more commonly used for women, it can also be prescribed to men.
Flushing type
Features
- Red face·sensitive to heatIrritationFacial sweat• Head sweat
Ourengedokuto (Coptis Detoxification Decoction)
This is a traditional Chinese medicine that cools down fever.
It is used for people who experience severe hot flashes or inflammation.
Types of abnormal water metabolism
Features
・SwellingI have a weak stomach.• Heavy head・Sweat feels sticky
Boiogito (a traditional Chinese medicine formula)
Improve water metabolism
It regulates sweat.
It is also used for people who are overweight and easily fatigued.
Traditional Chinese medicine is also used for night sweats.
Night sweats
Sometimes, so much of it comes out that it soaks the bedding.
As a cause
·menopause·stress• Low physical strength• Infectious diseases
These are some examples.
According to your constitution
・Shengmai Powder• Wheat ginseng granules• Buzhong Yiqi Decoction
These are sometimes used.
Benefits of Chinese herbal medicine
① Can aim to improve one's constitution
Not just sweat
Tired
cold
Gastrointestinal
sleep
These may also improve.
② Relatively few side effects
Traditional Chinese medicine is relatively safe,
If it doesn't suit your constitution, you may not get the full benefits.
Consult a pharmacist or doctor instead of making a decision on your own.
③ Can be taken for a long period of time
It's not a medicine that stops sweating drastically.
I aim to gradually improve my physical condition.
Traditional Chinese medicine also has side effects.
Just because something is natural doesn't mean it's 100% safe.
for example
- Stomach discomfort·rash·diarrhea• Abnormal liver function- Pseudoaldosteronism (prescriptions containing licorice)
These kinds of things can happen.
If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
How long does it take for herbal medicine to work?
For the faster
2-4 weeks
I feel a change there.
In improving one's constitution
2-3 months
We often continue doing things.
It's important to keep going without rushing.
Sweat control methods you can use in your daily life
In addition to herbal medicine, lifestyle habits are also important.
Regular sleep
Sleep deprivation disrupts the autonomic nervous system.
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Don't let stress build up.
·stroll• Light exercise·hobby・ Deep breathing
Relax by doing things like these.
Moderate exercise
By sweating moderately
This can help regulate the function of sweat glands.
Walking and swimming are recommended.
Don't consume too many spices.
chili pepper
curry
alcohol
Hot drinks
These can increase sweating.
Reduce caffeine intake
Coffee and energy drinks stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which can increase sweating in some people.
Be careful not to drink too much.
Get creative with your clothes
• Moisture-wicking and quick-drying material• Breathable clothing- Spare shirt
Using it will make things more comfortable.
Symptoms that warrant a visit to the hospital
You should consult a medical professional in the following cases:
・I suddenly started sweating a lot more.- Excessive night sweats- accompanied by fever• Weight loss• Strong palpitations- I have tremors in my hands.- It significantly disrupts daily life.
An underlying illness may be present.
Can it be used in combination with Western medicine?
In most cases, it is possible.
for example
Topical medicationsBotulinum therapyIontophoresis
These are sometimes combined with herbal medicines.
summary
Many people with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) simply endure it, thinking, "It's just my body type, so there's nothing I can do about it." However, if excessive sweating is interfering with work, studies, or social interactions, appropriate treatment can lead to improvement.
Traditional Chinese medicine doesn't just suppress sweating; it treats each individual's constitution and underlying causes, addressing issues such as fatigue, cold sensitivity, stress, and hot flashes. Therefore, it can not only treat hyperhidrosis but also improve overall health and quality of life (QOL) by restoring balance to the entire body.
On the other hand, hyperhidrosis can sometimes be a symptom of underlying conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, infections, or menopause. If symptoms appear suddenly, or if they are accompanied by night sweats, fever, or weight loss, do not self-diagnose and consult a medical professional.