Explained with Kampo! Constitutions Prone to Heatstroke and Preventive Measures

I am Miyuki, a Kampo pharmacist.

During the sweltering summer, there is no end to the news about heatstroke.
It is said that the elderly and small children are particularly prone to heatstroke, but did you know there are "constitutions prone to heatstroke" from a Kampo perspective?In this note article, I will explain who is prone to heatstroke from a Kampo viewpoint.


I will also introduce tips on how to drink water and recommended beverages for each constitution,so please use this for your heatstroke prevention!

Introduction: Explanation of Unique Kampo Terms

The unique Kampo terms "Qi, Blood, and Water" (Ki-Ketsu-Sui) used in this note article refer to the three elements that make up the human body.

・Qi: Invisible life energy (energy of vitality, energy of willpower)
・Blood: Nourishes the body like blood and stabilizes the mind
・Water: Body fluids other than blood, moisturizes the body (Jin-eki)

In Kampo, a healthy state is considered to be one where Qi, Blood, and Water flow smoothly without excess or deficiency.

Constitution Prone to Heatstroke 1: Water Retention (Suitai) Constitution

This is a constitution where the "flow of water" in the body is poor, known as Suitai in Kampo.

Because water circulation is poor, excess water accumulates in unnecessary places, easily causing ailments such as swelling, dizziness, and a heavy head or body.

If people with a Water Retention constitution drink a lot of water to prevent heatstroke, their physical condition will worsen even further.
Therefore, instead of drinking "a lot at once," try to "drink small amounts frequently to stay hydrated."

Recommended drinks are Job's tears tea and corn silk tea.

Constitution Prone to Heatstroke 2: Qi Deficiency (Kikyo) Constitution

This is a constitution prone to "deficiency of Qi (vital energy)," known as Kikyo in Kampo.

In particular, the function of the spleen is reduced, making it easy to experience ailments such as fatigue, lethargy, lack of appetite, and shortness of breath, and many people are prone to summer heat fatigue.

Because the spleen, which controls the digestion and absorption of food and drink, is weakened, even if you hydrate properly, you cannot absorb that water well. Be careful, as excess water accumulation leads to "Water Retention."

Try not to consume too many cold drinks that put a burden on the spleen.

Recommended drinks are jujube tea, German chamomile (herbal tea), and honey drinks.

Constitution Prone to Heatstroke 3: Body Fluid Deficiency (Shin-eki Fusoku)

This is a constitution prone to "lack of moisture" in the body, known as Shin-eki Fusoku in Kampo.

It is easily caused by overwork, stress, lack of sleep, or aging, and manifests as ailments such as hot flashes in the face and limbs, thirst in the mouth and throat, and dryness of the skin and hair.

Water properly absorbed by the spleen becomes body fluid (Shin-eki), which moisturizes the blood and body and works to cool down heat.
It is important to note that this is a lack of the body fluid that provides moisture, not just a simple quantitative lack of water.

It is good to utilize fruits that have both "sour" and "sweet" flavors to replenish necessary moisture, in addition to replenishing water itself.

Recommended drinks include pear or fig juice, milk, and honey lemon drinks.

Finally, people who do not sweat easily are also prone to heatstroke.

The inability to sweat is often influenced by coldness, which causes an inability to regulate body temperature smoothly.

If you only drink cold beverages to prevent heatstroke, your coldness will worsen and you will be more likely to experience poor physical condition.
If you are someone who cannot sweat, try to hydrate with room-temperature or warm drinks if possible.

Recommended drinks include black tea or cinnamon tea, which warm the body.

Know your constitution if you are prone to heatstroke and take measures in advance!

By understanding the constitutions prone to heatstroke from a Kampo perspective, you can take heatstroke prevention measures that are right for you. Please use this as a reference and stay healthy throughout the summer!

■For those who want to know more■
In the paid note "Surviving the Extreme Heat! Gentle Heatstroke Prevention and Countermeasures with Kampo and Herbs," we explain in detail the Kampo medicines and herbal teas recommended for heatstroke prevention.
Please make use of it for heatstroke prevention and countermeasures!