Effective Remedies for Heatstroke and Cooling Foods to Beat the Summer Heat

When exposed to extreme heat, the body’s temperature rises rapidly. If the body’s natural sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down, heatstroke can occur. Without prompt medical attention, it may lead to permanent disability or even death.

Progression of Heatstroke: Symptoms and Causes

According to Chen, heatstroke progresses through three stages, ranging from mild to severe.

Heat Cramps

• Symptoms: Involuntary muscle contractions that cause pain, lasting from one to three minutes. Common areas include the thighs, calves, arms, and abdomen, creating a sensation of muscle tightness or spasms.
• Cause: Prolonged physical activity in a hot and humid environment without adequate hydration leads to excessive sweating, which results in electrolyte loss and imbalance, triggering muscle cramps.

Heat Syncope (Fainting)

• Symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, and temporary loss of consciousness.
• Cause: Prolonged standing in a hot environment. To regulate body temperature, blood vessels near the skin expand to release heat, causing blood redistribution. This can result in a significant amount of blood pooling in the limbs, reducing blood flow to the brain and causing fainting.

Heat Exhaustion

• Symptoms: Profuse sweating, fatigue, overall weakness, and shortness of breath.
• Cause: Excessive sweating without sufficient replenishment of fluids or electrolytes can lead to circulatory failure if left untreated.

TCM Classification of Heatstroke

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chen said, heatstroke can be classified into two types, each with different causes.

Although the causes differ, Chen noted that both types of heatstroke involve central nervous system dysfunction and impaired thermoregulation. When the body’s core temperature rises above 104°F (40°C) and is unable to cool down, severe complications can develop, including shock, multiple organ failure, and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).

Yin Heatstroke

This type of heatstroke does not result from direct sun exposure but is more common among office workers who spend most of their time indoors. People who are rarely exposed to sunlight and frequently stay in air-conditioned environments may develop heatstroke when transitioning to hot, non-air-conditioned settings.

People who have difficulty adapting to temperature and humidity changes—such as the elderly, those who are overweight, infants, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses—are particularly vulnerable.

Yang Heatstroke

This type of heatstroke typically occurs after prolonged exposure to intense sunlight without adequate hydration. It is common among those who work in high-temperature environments, including soldiers, laborers, farmers, athletes, and workers in confined spaces like sewers or underground tunnels.

Groups at Higher Risk of Heatstroke

The following groups are more vulnerable to heatstroke, according to Chen:

• Elderly and Young Children: Limited physical activity weakens the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
• People With Chronic Diseases: Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity can impair heat dissipation and slow temperature regulation.
• Pregnant Women: Increased fluid and nutrient demands during pregnancy make the body more sensitive to high temperatures.
• Outdoor Workers: Construction workers, traffic officers, farmers, and others who spend long hours in the heat often forget to stay hydrated.
• Athletes: Intense physical activity in hot conditions generates excess body heat, increasing the risk of heatstroke.
• Those Unaccustomed to Hot Climates: Travelers or people who are new to tropical regions may struggle to adapt to high temperatures.
• People Who Drink Alcohol or Take Certain Meds: Alcohol and some medications can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Effective Ways to Relieve Heatstroke

If signs of heatstroke occur, Chen recommends the following methods to lower body temperature and alleviate symptoms:

Immersing the Body in Cold Water

Submerging the body in cold water or taking a cool shower can help lower skin temperature and, in turn, reduce core body temperature. However, if the person is weak or experiencing muscle spasms, do not force movement; instead, use other cooling methods.

Cooling with Water and Air

After removing excess clothing, lightly apply cold water over the body and use a fan or manual fanning to accelerate heat dissipation.

Applying Ice Packs

Apply ice packs to areas where major blood vessels run close to the skin, such as the armpits, neck, behind the knees, and wrists.

Staying Hydrated

Drink plenty of water, as urination helps the body expel excess heat.

Performing Acupressure

According to TCM, meridians are the channels through which energy flows in the human body. The internal organs are connected to the body’s surface through these meridians. Along the meridians are specific points known as acupoints, which possess unique functions. By stimulating the corresponding acupoints through techniques like acupuncture and massage, it is possible to treat diseases related to specific organs.

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