Different “Fire-Fighting” Methods for Various Types of “Internal Heat”
“Internal heat” is a specialized term in traditional Chinese medicine. Symptoms such as dry throat, sore throat, red eyes, hot nasal cavity, dry mouth and tongue, cracked corners of the mouth, nosebleeds, and toothache are all considered “internal heat” in TCM.
Where does this “fire” come from? First, direct exposure to external “heat pathogens” from nature can trigger “internal heat.” Second, the body contains invisible “fire” that drives life functions. When yin-yang imbalance disrupts its normal containment, “internal heat” arises.
Many factors can trigger “internal heat”: extreme emotional fluctuations, heatstroke, catching a chill, colds, excessive smoking or drinking, consuming too much garlic, ginger, scallions, chili peppers, or other spicy foods, indulging in fatty meats like lamb or dog meat, poisoning, or lack of sleep.
TCM classifies “internal heat” into three categories based on location: “upper burner fire” includes dizziness and sore throat; “middle burner fire” involves irritability, thirst, and stomach pain; “lower burner fire” refers to constipation and red urine. Based on organ orifice associations, eye redness and swelling are called “liver fire,” flaring nostrils and rapid breathing “lung fire,” and mouth ulcers “heart fire,” etc. Combined with internal conditions, these fires are further categorized as “real” or “deficient.” Severe symptoms with rapid onset indicate real fire; milder symptoms lasting long with hand/foot heat, hot flashes, and night sweats indicate deficient fire. This classification guides appropriate treatment.
Treating “internal heat” requires two key points: first, choose herbal medicines instead of blindly using Western drugs—herbs regulate the entire body to address root causes, whereas Western drugs only relieve symptoms. Second, follow TCM principles of syndrome differentiation and tailored treatment. For example, treat “middle burner fire” with Qing Wei San (Clear Stomach Powder); treat “heart fire” with Dao Chi San (Conduct Red Powder); treat “real fire” with San Huang Pian (Three Yellow Pills) or Niuhuang Jiedu Pian (Bull-Bile Detoxifying Pills)—best under medical guidance. Simply taking San Huang Pian at the sight of “fire” may not work and could even worsen the condition.