The relationship between sweating in different parts of the body and health

In the sweltering summer heat, even the slightest bit of outdoor activity leaves many people drenched in sweat. A popular online theory suggests that excessive sweating in different areas of the body may indicate different health issues, and there are numerous dietary recommendations for "stopping sweating." However, registered Chinese medicine practitioner Xu Zechang points out that simply judging one's health based on the presence or absence of sweating, or the specific area of the body that sweats most, is inaccurate. In fact, sweating too little or even completely absent may actually pose greater health risks than excessive sweating.

Excessive sweating on the forehead is not necessarily related to damp heat

Some believe that excessive forehead sweating is caused by excess dampness and heat in the body, but Dr. Xu explains that this is incomplete. While excessive forehead sweating can indeed be linked to dampness and heat, it can also simply be due to spicy foods, hot soups, or alcohol, which generate heat in the body and lead to increased sweating. Bitter melon or lotus seeds are often recommended online to alleviate excessive forehead sweating, but Dr. Xu warns that these dietary remedies aren't suitable for everyone. If excessive sweating is caused by a heat syndrome, bitter melon may be helpful. However, if the cause of sweating isn't heat, consuming these cooling foods may actually weaken your constitution, leading to symptoms like aversion to cold and fatigue. Therefore, it's recommended to understand the cause of your sweating before deciding whether to adopt a specific dietary regimen. Avoid self-administration.

Excessive chest sweating is closely related to emotions and organ functions

Sweating in the chest area is often associated with excessive worrying. Dr. Xu explained that this condition may be related to "heart and spleen deficiency" or "heart and kidney disharmony."insomnia, palpitations, loss of appetite and other symptoms; if the heart and kidneys are not connected, you may experience soreness in the waist and knees,upsetThere's a popular belief that consuming longan flesh can improve excessive chest sweating. However, Dr. Xu points out that longan flesh is a warming ingredient. If the excessive sweating is caused by deficiency of both the heart and spleen, longan may be helpful. However, if it's caused by disharmony between the heart and kidneys, longan flesh may actually worsen the condition. Therefore, he advises against inducing specific foods upon experiencing sweating, as this could backfire.

Little or no sweating may reflect abnormal body function

Many people believe that little or no sweating is a sign of "health," but Dr. Xu emphasizes that "complete absence of sweating is abnormal." Sweating is an important way the body regulates temperature and maintains physiological balance. If you experience little or no sweating in hot weather, after exercise, or after consuming spicy or fried foods, it may indicate an imbalance in the functioning of certain organs and an unhealthy state. In such cases, seek professional medical evaluation and assistance as soon as possible to identify potential problems.

How to distinguish normal from abnormal sweating?

Sweating is a normal reaction of the body, but one cannot judge health solely by sweating. Dr. Xu pointed out that we must first distinguish whether sweating is "normal" or "abnormal". For example, sweating in hot weather is a normal phenomenon. However, if you are out of breath and sweating a lot after a little activity, or even without strenuous exercise, this may be "spontaneous sweating", which is usually a sign of Qi or Yang deficiency. In addition, ifSleep at nightWhen you sweat a lot for no reason, or even wake up with a fever, it may be "night sweats", which is more common in menopausal women.

In summary, while the location and amount of sweating can reflect your physical condition to a certain extent, it cannot be the sole basis for judgment. When faced with excessive or insufficient sweating, it is crucial to first understand the potential causes and observe whether other discomfort symptoms are present. If in doubt, seek diagnosis and advice from a professional Chinese medicine practitioner or doctor to avoid unnecessary health risks from relying on folk remedies or self-treatment.