Internal heat is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine, referring to discomfort caused by excessive yang qi in the body, such as dry mouth, constipation, and irritability. This may be related to imbalances in different organs. The following are the manifestations, causes, and suggestions for adjusting internal heat in various organs:
Heart heat manifests as restlessness, insomnia, dry mouth, and parched tongue. It is often caused by greasy diet and emotional stress. Recommendations include consuming mung beans, lotus seeds, and other light foods, avoiding spicy stimuli, considering the use of heat-clearing and detoxifying Chinese herbs, or relieving symptoms through acupuncture at heart meridian points such as Shenmen and Neiguan.
Liver heat is characterized by irritability, headache, and red eyes, often associated with emotional repression and poor dietary habits. It is recommended to consume spinach, pomelos, and other green vegetables and fruits, use liver-soothing Chinese medicines, and acupuncture points like Taichong and Xinjian help alleviate symptoms.
Stomach heat presents as increased appetite, thirst, and constipation, usually caused by greasy and spicy foods. Opt for noodles, rice porridge, and light diet, increase fluid intake, use medications to clear stomach heat, and acupuncture at acupoints like Zusanli and Fenglong for treatment.
Lung heat features cough, sore throat, dry mouth, and dry nose, often related to dry weather and colds. Foods that nourish the lungs such as pears and lilies can assist in treatment, reduce intake of irritating foods, use lung-clearing and phlegm-resolving Chinese medicines, and acupuncture points like Taiyuan and Yuji are beneficial.
Kidney heat manifests as tinnitus, dizziness, insomnia, and dental issues, associated with weak constitution and excessive fatigue. Eating foods like goji berries, black sesame, nourishing yin and tonifying kidney foods, taking appropriate Chinese medicines if necessary, and acupuncture at acupoints like Taixi and Yongquan for regulation.
It is important that any medication use or acupuncture procedures be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor to ensure safety and effectiveness. Maintaining good lifestyle habits is key to preventing internal heat.
