What body constitution makes one prone to heatstroke?
Jul 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Constitutional types that are prone to heatstroke are mainly related to the body's regulatory capacity and metabolic status. Common types include damp-heat constitution, qi-deficient constitution, yin-deficient constitution, phlegm-dampness constitution, and yang-deficient constitution.
To reduce the occurrence of heatstroke, individuals with different constitutions can undergo targeted regulation and conditioning. For example, individuals with a damp-heat constitution can appropriately consume foods that clear heat and promote diuresis, while those with a qi-deficient constitution should focus on energy replenishment and avoid excessive fatigue.
Generally, the body types prone to heatstroke are mainly related to the body's regulatory capacity and metabolic state. Common types include damp-heat constitution, qi deficiency constitution, yin deficiency constitution, phlegm-dampness constitution, and yang deficiency constitution. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Damp-heat constitution: Individuals with this constitution tend to accumulate dampness and heat in the body. In high-temperature environments, they may experience symptoms such as heaviness in the body, irritability, and stuffy heat. Due to poor perspiration and difficulty dissipating heat, they are more prone to heatstroke. These individuals often have bitter taste in the mouth and a thick, greasy tongue coating.
2. Qi deficiency constitution: Those with qi deficiency have insufficient vital energy and weaker organ function. In high temperatures, they consume energy quickly and experience reduced ability to regulate body temperature, making it difficult to adapt to changes in environmental temperature. Even mild physical activity may cause dizziness, fatigue, and eventually heatstroke.
3. Yin deficiency constitution: Individuals with yin deficiency lack sufficient body fluids and often experience symptoms such as dryness and heat and a dry mouth. In high-temperature environments, they are more susceptible to bodily imbalances due to excessive loss of body fluids, have poor heat tolerance, and may show signs of heatstroke even with mild exposure to heat.
4. Phlegm-dampness constitution: People with this constitution have internal stagnation of phlegm and dampness, leading to poor circulation of qi and blood. In hot and humid environments, their bodies struggle to dissipate heat through sweating and other mechanisms, causing heat to accumulate internally and increasing the likelihood of heatstroke. Symptoms often include bodily fatigue and sticky bowel movements.
5. Yang deficiency constitution: Individuals with yang deficiency lack sufficient yang energy and have a weaker ability to adapt to changes in environmental temperature. During summer heat, their bodies may struggle to tolerate high temperatures and may also suffer from impaired spleen and stomach function due to excessive cooling, leading to reduced resistance and a higher risk of heatstroke.
To reduce the risk of heatstroke, people with different constitutions can take targeted measures for adjustment. For example, individuals with a damp-heat constitution can appropriately consume foods that clear internal heat and remove dampness, while those with qi deficiency should focus on replenishing energy and avoiding excessive fatigue. Taking proper heatstroke prevention measures during high-temperature weather can effectively reduce the risk of heatstroke.
