The Chinese Medicine View of Body Temperature
The body is not unlike a car engine. If it runs too cold it doesn’t work very well, has trouble getting going and is weak. If it runs too hot then it overheats, boils over and is prone to breaking down.
A long time ago, Chinese medicine practitioners figured out that if the body was either too hot or too cold then there would be health problems as a result.
In TCM a “Hot” body signifies an excess of Yang energy, while a “Cold” body indicates a dominance of Yin. Achieving optimal health requires carefully balancing these energies, ensuring that neither dominates.
Too Cold
Do you have cold hands and feet, pale complexion, wear a jacket in summer and/or freeze in winter? If so, then you are probably too cold.
What causes this?
Several factors can make you too cold:
- Eating lots of cold foods (ice cream, cold drinks)
- Working in cold environments like in a cool room
- Taking many antibiotics
- Long surgeries
- Not dressing warmly enough
This type of cold isn’t fixed by simply warming up. It stays with you.
Chinese medicine aims to warm you up using:
- Special supplements
- Specific foods
- Acupuncture treatments
By restoring warmth, your body can work better. Many cold-related symptoms may improve.
Too Hot
On the flip side, you might feel hot all the time. Signs include:
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling very warm in bed
- Never needing a jacket, even in cold weather
- Experiencing heartburn
- Having a red face or red eyes
What leads to this?
Common causes are:
- Eating too many spicy foods
- High stress levels
- Working in hot conditions
Like with cold, this heat stays with you. It’s hard to cool down.
Chinese medicine treats this by cooling you down through:
- Specific supplements
- Certain foods
- Acupuncture techniques
As your body cools, many heat-related symptoms may improve.
Remember, balance is key. Your body works best when it’s neither too hot nor too cold.
Chinese medicine aims to restore this balance, helping you feel your best.
This article is meant to enhance understanding of general health topics related to acupuncture. It should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before incorporating acupuncture into your health routine.
Dr. Sandra Wu
Over the last 20 years Sandra has treated over 20,000 patients.
She has a special interest in pain, cosmetic acupuncture, fertility acupuncture , and weight loss with Chinese Medicine.
