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After a severe illness, the patient sweats all over without any external pathogenic invasion, making it a daily occurrence. People assume this is sweating due to internal heat, but little do they know that it is actually deficiency of Yang Qi (Yang Energy), which leaks outward, causing the Couli (pores and interstices) to fail in self-closure. Following a severe illness, Qi and Blood are severely depleted; Qi cannot enter the Blood, so Blood inevitably forces Qi to remain outside the skin. If the Lung Metal’s function of clearing and descending were normal, although Qi might desire to escape through the hair and skin, since the Couli are not open, how could Qi leak out? Only after a severe illness, where the Lungs are damaged first, losing their autonomous control, can they fail to restrain Qi. When Qi is unsecured, and since Sweat is transformed from Qi, sweat follows the leakage of Qi, resulting in profuse whole-body sweating. Since there is no internal pathogen to disperse, is the True Qi not being exhausted?

This condition seems similar to Yang Collapse (Wang Yang), yet Yang Collapse leads to death within moments, whereas spontaneous sweating does not cause immediate death. Why? Yang Collapse is driven by Heat Pathogens; spontaneous sweating is urged by Yin Deficiency. Yang diseases are acute and difficult to rescue, while Yin diseases are slow and easier to regulate. The treatment should primarily tonify Qi, while simultaneously tonifying Yin within the Qi-tonification strategy. This allows Yin to grasp Yang, and the sweat will stop spontaneously. Use Sheyang Tang (Catching Yang Decoction): Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 1 liang), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, 1 liang), Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 5 qian), Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 5 qian), Bei Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus, 1 qian), Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus, 3 qian), Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, 1 liang). Decoct in water and take orally. After two doses, sweating decreases; after four doses, it stops significantly; after ten doses, full recovery.

This formula uses Ren Shen and Huang Qi to greatly tonify Qi. When Qi is sufficient, Lung Qi is nourished, and the skin/hair become secure. Adding Mai Dong and Wu Wei Zi ensures Lung Metal not only defends the exterior but also moistens Kidney Water. Fearing excessive sweating damages True Yin, Shu Di Huang and Shan Zhu Yu are added to benefit Essence, so Lung Metal need not generate Kidney Water further, allowing Lung Qi to flourish and the skin to become even more secure. Adding Bai Shao converges Liver Qi, calming Liver Wood, so Lung Metal faces no hostile pressure, allowing Lung Qi to peacefully execute its clearing/descending function, transmitting downward to the Bladder. With smooth Qi flow between upper and lower, Heart Fluid is generated, preventing Heart Fire from insulting Lung Metal. Thus, Lung Metal regains autonomy and refuses to allow spontaneous sweating. This is the subtle method of Catching Yang. For poor patients unable to afford Ren Shen, add double the amount of Huang Qi (2 liang) and Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix, 0.5 qian) to the previous formula. The efficacy is similar, but many more doses are required. Alternatively, Lianhan Tang (Stopping Sweat Decoction) is excellent: Huang Qi (1 liang), Mai Dong (5 qian), Bei Wu Wei Zi (2 qian), Sang Ye (Mori Folium, 14 leaves). Decoct in water and take orally.

After nocturnal emission, if the body is extremely fatigued, compounded by excessive travel or sexual activity, night sweating occurs profusely. People attribute this to Kidney Qi deficiency, but it is actually Heat in Heart Qi. The Heart prefers cold and dislikes heat; the Kidney prefers heat and dislikes cold. Though seemingly contradictory, they harmonize. After nocturnal emission, Jing Water is insufficient. Combined with physical exertion and sex damaging sinews and bones, Internal Yin is severely depleted, unable to ascend to assist the Heart. Without Kidney Water assistance, Heart Heat increases, further depleting Kidney Water. Eventually, the Kidney fears the Heart’s demand and seals the Kidney Palace tightly, forcing the Heart to remain within itself. Lacking fluid nourishment, irritability arises. Although the Heart lacks tranquility, it retains sovereign authority. While irritable, Ministerial Fire dare not openly rebel against the Heart Sovereign to escape the body, but rather steals resources during the Heart’s light sleep. Thus, night sweating differs from spontaneous sweating. Spontaneous sweating means the Heart loses control; night sweating means the Heart still holds intent. This type of sweating is especially severe in the chest. Sweat is inherently hot, but upon exiting the body, heat transforms into cold. Because Ministerial Fire is deficient heat rather than excess heat, and it escapes stealthily when the Heart is unaware, it resembles Yin characteristics. Moreover, since the Heart originally lacks fluid, where does the sweat come from? It is secretly stolen residual fluid from the Kidney. Treatment should clear Heart Heat and tonify Kidney Water. When Kidney Water is sufficient, Heart Fire clears; when Heart Fire is calm, Heart Sweat stops. Use Fangdao Zhihan Tang (Preventing Theft Stopping Sweat Decoction): Mai Dong (5 qian), Sheng Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphi Spinosani Semen, 1 liang), Shu Di Huang (1 liang), Shan Zhu Yu (3 qian), Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 0.5 qian), Ren Shen (3 qian), Dan Shen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 3 qian), Fu Shen (Poria Cum Radix, 3 qian), Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex, 0.5 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. One dose reduces sweating; two doses cure.

This formula tonifies both Heart and Kidney. When Heart and Kidney are sufficient, Li (Fire) and Kan (Water) naturally reunite. Huang Lian clears Heart; Rou Gui warms Kidney. Together, they facilitate Heart-Kidney intersection instantly. Once intersected, Heart Fire becomes clear, Ministerial Fire respects the Master, and dares not steal fluids. If one does not tonify Heart/Kidney but merely tries to stop sweat, the sweat will not stop, potentially worsening the condition. How can astringents be used lightly? Si Shen Tang (Four Ginsengs Decoction) is also effective: Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix, 1 liang), Mai Dong, Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix, 5 qian each), Tian Men Dong (Asparagi Radix), Ren Shen, Sha Shen (Glehniae Radix, 3 qian each), Dan Shen, Fu Ling (Poria, 2 qian each), Huang Lian (0.5 qian), Bei Wu Wei Zi (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

Some experience fever at night, starting with sparse sweating, gradually increasing until profuse sweating every night, stopping at Wugeng (3-5 AM). People think this is Yang-deficient night sweating, but it is actually Yin-deficient sweating. Yin deficiency refers to Kidney deficiency. The Kidney stores True Yin, which should be sealed. Why sweat? Because Fire in the Kidney moves. Kidney Water needs Fire to nourish it, yet why does it leak? Even if water leaks, it should exit downwards, not through the skin. The Fire in the Kidney generates Water; this is True Fire. True Fire prefers stillness. Still water generates True Fire; moving water causes True Fire to leak water. Generating water allows Fire to be sealed; leaking water causes Fire to run wild. Thus, moving Fire in the Kidney is caused by moving Water, due to excessive sexual indulgence. Excessive essence loss damages Essence, moving Water and Fire. When Fire moves and Water cannot assist, Fire carries Water upward from its palace, traveling through meridians and Couli, exiting via pores. Initially occasional, it becomes nightly. As Yin becomes more deficient, sweating increases, turning fine pores into major channels. Why night sweat and not day sweat? Is Yang not deficient? Yin and Yang have separate pathways. In Yang sectors, Yin does not usurp Yang’s power; in Yin sectors, Yang does not usurp Yin’s power. Night sweating is Yin traveling its own path. At Wugeng, Yin dares not enter Yang’s boundary. Thus, Yin sweat turns back upon encountering Yang Qi. Treatment should greatly tonify True Yin and add Yang-sector herbs to lift Yin out of the Yin sector, so Yin meets Yang and stops. Use Buyin Zhihan Tang (Tonifying Yin Stopping Sweat Decoction): Shu Di Huang (1 liang), Shan Zhu Yu (5 qian), Ren Shen (2 qian), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 3 qian), Di Gu Pi (Lycii Cortex, 1 liang), Sha Shen (3 qian), Bei Wu Wei Zi (1 qian), Sang Ye (10 leaves). Decoct in water and take orally. Two doses reduce sweating; four doses stop it; ten doses prevent recurrence.

Shu Di Huang and Shan Zhu Yu tonify Essence; Di Gu Pi and Sha Shen tonify Yin and clear bone marrow deficiency heat; Wu Wei Zi and Sang Ye are divine for stopping sweat; Ren Shen and Bai Zhu are sacred for strengthening Spleen/Stomach and tonifying Qi. Using more Yin-tonics allows Water to control Fire; using less Yang-tonics allows Yang to lift Yin. With balanced Yin/Yang and Water/Fire, there is no risk of imbalance or leakage. Why use Oyster Shell (Muli) for astringing essence or Plantago Seed (Qumai) for stopping sweat? Zhanlu Yin (Dew Drink) is also effective: Shu Di Huang (2 liang), Di Gu Pi, Sha Shen, Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex, 5 qian each), Bei Wu Wei Zi (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

During meals, some sweat profusely from head/neck to face, every time they eat, yet feel otherwise well. People think this is abundant Yang Qi, but it is actually exuberant Stomach Qi. Stomach Qi is Yang Qi; strong Stomach means strong Yang. Why distinguish them? “Strong Yang” refers to the three Yang meridians collectively; “Strong Stomach” refers specifically to the Stomach meridian. Stomach belongs to Earth; without food intake, Stomach Qi is quiet. Even when hungry, its fire smolders in the chest/diaphragm, not reaching the head. Only when food/qi fills the Yangming meridian does Stomach Fire borrow this energy to rise, transforming into sweat that surges to the head and face. This sweat indicates strong Stomach Fire, caused by pericardium fire. Pericardium generates Earth to produce Fire, not harming Earth. Stomach sweating due to Fire generation differs from pathological fire burning itself. Thus, sweat stops in the Upper Jiao without collapsing Yang in the Lower Jiao. Treatment should drain excess Stomach Fire without damaging deficient Stomach Earth, balancing the Stomach to stop sweat. Use Shouhan Dan (Stopping Sweat Pill): Xuan Shen (3 qian), Sheng Di Huang (3 qian), Jing Jie (Schizonepetae Spica, 1 qian), Wu Wei Zi (0.3 qian), Sang Ye (10 leaves), Bai Shao (5 qian), Su Zi (Perillae Fructus, 1 qian), Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen, 1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Full recovery after one month.

This formula does not drain Stomach Fire directly but nourishes Yin. Where Yang is excessive, Yin is deficient. Tonifying Yin makes Yin strong enough to grasp Yang, stopping sweat spontaneously. Sang Ye and Jing Jie guide herbs to stop sweat; Bai Jie Zi and Su Zi resolve phlegm and calm Qi. This harmonizes, suppresses Yang returning to Yin, and transforms sweat into Essence. Long-term use is necessary because regulating Stomach requires gentle, not rapid, action. Guichi Gao (Turtle-Pig Paste) is also miraculous: Pig Heart Blood (1 liang), Turtle Shell Paste (Gui Ban Gao, 2 liang), Wu Wei Zi powder (2 qian). Boil into a solid block, hold in mouth to dissolve and swallow, taken once. After finishing, it never recurs. Melt turtle shell paste first, add pig heart blood, then Wu Wei Zi powder, mix into paste, slice, and dissolve in mouth. A divine prescription.

Some sweat only on the chest/head while limbs are dry. People think this is Heart Heat, but it is actually excessive worry leading to Heart deficiency and lack of Blood to nourish the Heart. The Heart governs Fire. Excessive worry causes Heart Fire to flare, drying fluids. Dry fluids should mean no sweat, yet chest sweating occurs. This is not true sweat, but Heart Fluid leaking outward due to inability to retain it internally. One might question: Heart fluid is scarce, how can it all become sweat? The Heart is the Sovereign Officer. When Heart is hot, fluids from the Five Zang and Seven Fu organs converge to support it. Due to intense internal heat, instead of nourishing the Heart as fluid, they overflow as sweat. Profuse sweating has no end; fluids cannot keep up. Eventually, Heart heat increases, sweat becomes uncontrollable, leading to dryness, irritability, and insomnia. Treatment should tonify Blood to nourish the Heart and drain Fire to generate fluid. Sweat will stop without direct astringents. Use Zixin Tang (Nourishing Heart Decoction): Ren Shen (3 qian), Sang Ye (14 leaves), Huang Lian (0.5 qian), Dan Shen (3 qian), Mai Dong (5 qian), Gan Cao (Licorice Root, 0.5 qian), Shu Di Huang (1 liang), Shan Zhu Yu (5 qian), Bai Zi Ren (Biota Seed, 2 qian), Sheng Di Huang (5 qian), Bai Zhu (3 qian), Sha Shen (2 qian), Xuan Shen (3 qian), Mu Dan Pi (3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Chest sweat stops after two doses; no recurrence after ten doses.

Though named Nourishing Heart, this formula mostly tonifies the Kidney. Heart fluid requires Kidney Essence to irrigate it upwards to be generated. To tonify Heart fluid, one must tonify Kidney Essence. Tonifying the Kidney with slight Heart-clearing herbs calms Heart Fire, preventing fluid leakage. Zhusi Tang (Assisting Thought Decoction) is also effective: Ren Shen (5 qian), Shu Di Huang (1 liang), Sheng Di Huang (5 qian), Mai Dong (5 qian), Bei Wu Wei Zi (1 qian), Huang Lian (1 qian), Rou Gui (0.3 qian), Fu Ling (2 qian), Tu Si Zi (Cuscutae Semen, 2 qian), Mu Dan Pi (2 qian), Zhu Sha (Cinnabar, 1 qian, do not roast), Bai Zi Ren (3 qian), Chao Suan Zao Ren (Fried Ziziphi Spinosani Semen, 2 qian), Lian Zi Xin (Nelumbinis Plumula, 1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.