How traditional Chinese medicine treats and prevents heatstroke

The treatment and prevention of heatstroke in traditional Chinese medicine mainly rely on methods such as clearing heat and relieving heat, regulating qi, supporting the body and dispelling evil, combined with comprehensive interventions such as oral Chinese medicine, external treatment therapy, and lifestyle care.

1. Oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine

Commonly used formulas for clearing heat and relieving summer heat in traditional Chinese medicine include Huoxiang Zhengqi San, Liuyi San, etc. Huoxiang Zhengqi Powder is composed of Huoxiang and Perilla leaves, which can relieve surface dampness, regulate qi and balance the middle. It is suitable for summer dampness cold accompanied by gastrointestinal discomfort. Liuyi San contains talc and licorice, which have the effect of clearing heat and dampness, suitable for simple summer heat syndrome. For different constitutions, those with Qi deficiency can add Shengmai Yin, while those with Yin deficiency can choose Qingshu Yiqi Tang. Traditional Chinese medicine decoctions should be used based on individual symptoms, and it is recommended to take them under the guidance of a physician.

2. Acupoint stimulation

regulates body function by needling or pressing specific acupoints. Commonly used acupoints include Dazhui acupoint (Du meridian, located below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra), Quchi acupoint (Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, outer end of the elbow crease when bending the elbow), Neiguan acupoint (Hand Jueyin Pericardial Meridian, 2 inches above the wrist crease), etc. The Dazhui acupoint can relieve heat and open the orifice, the Quchi acupoint can clear heat and relieve external symptoms, and the Neiguan acupoint can calm the heart and calm the mind. You can press each acupoint with your thumb for 3-5 minutes in daily life, 2-3 times a day. When suffering from severe heatstroke, professional physicians are required to perform acupuncture treatment.

3. Scraping and cupping

Scraping is commonly done by scraping the skin along the back bladder meridian or neck and shoulder with a cow horn board until purple red spots appear, which can clear the meridians and expel heat and dampness. Choose acupoints such as the back vertebrae and lung shu for cupping, and leave the cupping for 5-10 minutes to help dissipate body heat. These two external treatment methods are suitable for patients with heat syndrome, but are contraindicated for those with skin damage or coagulation dysfunction. After the operation, it is necessary to take shelter from wind and keep warm, and avoid contact with cold water for 24 hours.

Fourth, Dietary Adjustment

It is recommended to eat heat clearing and body nourishing ingredients such as mung beans, watermelon green clothes, lotus leaves, bitter melon, etc. in summer. Green bean soup can be consumed with rock sugar, and the white part of watermelon can be served as a cold mix. Boiling lotus leaves as a tea drink can clear heat and promote dampness. Stir frying or juicing bitter melon can clear heat and improve vision. Avoid spicy and greasy foods, and drink acidic drinks such as plum soup and sour plum soup in moderation to reduce sweating. For those with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold, ginger and dried tangerine peel should be used in combination with warm ingredients.

Fifth, daily life adjustment

Avoid outdoor activities during noon (11-13 am) and wear a sun hat or umbrella when going out. Keep the living room ventilated but avoid direct blowing, and cover the abdomen with a thin blanket during sleep. After sweating, wipe dry promptly and change into wet clothes. Honeysuckle and mint leaves can be boiled in water for daily bathing. In terms of emotions, it is necessary to maintain calmness and avoid irritability. Practice gentle exercises such as Ba Duan Jin and Tai Chi appropriately to unblock qi and blood, and promptly supplement with diluted salt water after exercise.

Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes the importance of treating illnesses before they occur, and the prevention of heatstroke requires attention to overall summer care. In addition to the above methods, sudden entry into the air-conditioned room from a high-temperature environment should be avoided, as a large temperature difference can easily cause abnormal opening and closing of the pores. Carry heatstroke prevention medicines such as cooling oil and personal pills with you. If severe heatstroke symptoms such as high fever, lack of sweating, and delirium occur, immediate medical treatment should be sought, and traditional Chinese medicine methods alone should not be relied upon for treatment. Regularly visit traditional Chinese medicine institutions for seasonal adjustments such as Sanfu patches to enhance the body's ability to withstand heat.