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The *Classic of Internal Medicine* states: "Sweat of Yang is named after the rain of heaven and earth." This refers to the descent of rain due to the harmony of Yin and Yang, which is not a disease; only spontaneous sweating without an apparent cause constitutes a pathology.

Some argue that sweat originates from the Heart or Spleen, or that these two Zang organs are the primary controllers of sweating. In reality, it is unknown that all five Zang organs can induce sweating. Internally, blood resides; externally, sweat manifests. Since the Heart governs blood, sweat is primarily associated with the Heart. The Kun trigram in the southwest corresponds to the Spleen in the human body. Human sweat is akin to dew and rain formed by the steaming of dampness and heat in the soil; thus, sweat originates from the Spleen. The Lung, belonging to Metal, governs Qi and the skin/hair. When Qi is deficient, the interstices (Couli) fail to remain secure, leading to the leakage of Jin-Ye (Body Fluids); thus, sweat originates from the Lung. The Liver, belonging to Wood, governs Wind and dispersing/descending functions. Therefore, contracting wind inevitably leads to spontaneous sweating; thus, sweat originates from the Liver. The Kidney governs the Five Fluids and closure/storage. When Yin is deficient, Yang tends to descend or escape; therefore, patients with consumptive diseases often experience night sweats; thus, sweat originates from the Kidney.

Furthermore, the Classics state: "Shock depletes Jing (Essence), causing sweat from the Heart"; "Carrying heavy loads and traveling far causes sweat from the Kidney"; "Running fast and feeling fear causes sweat from the Liver"; "Physical movement and labor cause sweat from the Spleen"; "Eating until very full causes sweat from the Stomach." From this perspective, not only do the five Zang organs produce sweat, but the six Fu organs also do. However, summarizing briefly, both spontaneous sweating (Zihan) and night sweats (Daohan) invariably result from the deficiency of both the Heart and the Kidney. Jin-Ye and sweat are of the same category; they generate where Yang Qi resides and exude as sweat where Fire disturbs. Spontaneous sweating occurs profusely and naturally, regardless of dispersion therapy, physical exertion, or wakefulness/sleep, caused by Yin steaming into the Yang aspect. It is treated with Yù Píng Fēng Sǎn (Jade Windscreen Powder). Night sweats occur during deep sleep and cease abruptly upon waking; this is known as "sweat during sleep" in the *Inner Canon*, caused by Yang steaming into the Yin aspect. It is treated with Dāng Guī Liù Huáng Tāng (Angelica Hexa-Huang Decoction). Kidney deficiency implies Yin deficiency; when Yin is deficient, Yang inevitably intrudes, failing to nourish internally and retreat into the Zang, resulting in night sweats accompanied by fever, which mostly belongs to internal injury. Heart deficiency implies Yang deficiency; when Yang is deficient, Yin inevitably descends, failing to guard the exterior and maintain solidity, resulting in spontaneous sweating accompanied by fever, which mostly belongs to external injury. Additionally, sweat pores are called "Ghost Gates" (Guimen). Severe night sweats can cause the loss of Po (Corporeal Soul). The principle of Yin and Yang dictates that Yang must be dense to ensure solidity; severe spontaneous sweating can cause the reckless movement of Yang. The meanings of these two types of sweating are roughly as described above. However, if Shaoyang syndrome (pathogen between the half-exterior and half-interior) presents symptoms resembling night sweats, it does not compare to Yin deficiency, but rather constitutes a pattern for Xiǎo Chái Hú Tāng (Minor Bupleurum Decoction). If Fire Qi steams upward and dampness exists in the Stomach causing spontaneous sweating, it does not compare to Yang deficiency, but rather constitutes a pattern for Liáng Gé Sǎn (Cooling the Diaphragm Powder). Students should examine this carefully.