bubble_chart Concept

Hemilateral sweating refers to the phenomenon of sweating on either the left or right side of the body.

This symptom was first mentioned in Neijing. Suwen. Shengqi Tongtian Lun: "Hemilateral sweating can cause hemiplegia." This symptom often occurs in cases of apoplexy or certain diseases where the functions of the zang-fu organs are declining.

This section discusses sweating on one side of the body; for sweating on the upper or lower half of the body, see the relevant entries.

bubble_chart Pattern Analysis

1. Deficiency of Both Qi and Blood︰Sweating is localized to one side of the body, accompanied by shortage of qi, reluctance to speak, fatigue, lack of strength, a pale and dull complexion, dizziness, blurred vision, numbness in the hands and feet, a pale tongue with white coating, and a pulse manifestation that is thin and weak. This condition is often caused by excessive strain, prolonged illness leading to malnutrition, or loss of blood in large amounts, resulting in deficiency and insufficiency of qi and blood, which fail to circulate throughout the body. As a result, sweating tends to occur on one side. *Chinese Medicine Clinical Essentials* states: "Hemilateral sweating, whether on the left or right side, is mostly due to unconsolidated qi and blood." Key points for pattern identification: In addition to unilateral sweating, there are symptoms of qi and blood deficiency such as a dull complexion, fatigue, lack of strength, numbness in the hands and feet, and a thin, weak pulse. Treatment should focus on supplementing both qi and blood, and formulas such as Ginseng Nutrient-Nourishing Decoction may be selected.
2. Cold-dampness Obstruction︰Sweating is localized to one side of the body, with spasmodic pain in the sinews and vessels, difficulty in flexing and extending the hands and feet, heaviness of the limbs, and in severe cases, difficulty in turning over. The tongue coating is white and greasy, and the pulse is soggy or slow. This is mostly caused by the invasion of cold-dampness, which blocks the channels and collaterals on one side, obstructing the flow of qi and blood, and disrupting the opening and closing of the striae and interstices, leading to localized sweating on the affected side. The key diagnostic points are hemilateral sweating, spasmodic pain in the sinews and vessels, difficulty in flexing and extending the hands and feet, heaviness of the limbs, and a white, greasy tongue coating. Treatment should focus on warming and dispersing cold-dampness, invigorating the blood to unblock the collaterals. The recommended formula is Juanbi Tang (Dampness-Eliminating Decoction) with added Asarum and prepared Aconite Mother Root, or Xiaoluo Huoxiao Wan (Minor Collaterals-Activating Pill) taken orally.
3. Disharmony between Nutrient and Defensive Qi︰Sweating is localized to one side of the body, fever, headache, aversion to wind, white and moist tongue coating, and weak and moderate pulse. This syndrome may be caused by exposure to wind pathogens or by overstrain internal damage, leading to qi-blood counterflow and disharmony between nutrient and defense aspects, resulting in spontaneous sweating. The former is more commonly seen. Clinical differentiation: cases caused by external contraction are accompanied by fever, headache, aversion to wind, and other symptoms; those caused by internal damage may not necessarily present with fever but exhibit unilateral sweating, general discomfort in the tendons and vessels, and impaired movement. The treatment principle is to harmonize the nutrient and defensive aspects, with Cinnamon Twig Decoction as the representative formula.

The symptom of unilateral sweating is generally caused by an imbalance in the circulation of qi and blood on both sides of the body. The mechanism of disease may be due to obstruction by pathogenic factors or insufficient qi and blood. The above three syndromes can be differentiated based on the characteristics of the disease mechanism and clinical manifestations. It must be noted that patients over the age of fifty who experience unilateral sweating should seek timely treatment, avoid exposure to wind pathogens, and maintain a proper balance of work and rest to prevent the occurrence of apoplexy.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Zhangshi YitongVolume 9: "In summer, unilateral sweating is caused by insufficient qi and blood, accompanied by cold and phlegm. It is a sign of hemiplegia and premature death. Treat with large doses of Shiquan Dabu, Ginseng Yangrong, Dajianzhong, and other formulas that promote circulation and resolve phlegm. If the original qi is slightly replenished, occasionally use Minor Life-Prolonging Decoction to open the exterior, or Stephania Tetrandra Astragalus Decoction with Sichuan Lovage Rhizome to disperse dampness. Although this condition is related to blood deficiency, be cautious not to use Siwu Yin formulas, as they may obstruct the meridians."