Is physical cooling effective for fever in the palms and soles?
Aug 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, whether physical cooling is effective for heat sensation in the palms and soles depends on the underlying cause of the fever. Physical cooling is usually effective if the heat is caused by external factors such as high environmental temperature or excessive clothing. However, if the heat is due to internal factors such as internal heat caused by yin deficiency, physical cooling is less effective. To relieve the discomfort of hot palms and soles, it is important in daily life to adjust clothing according to environmental temperature.
Generally speaking, whether physical cooling is effective when the palms and soles are hot depends on the cause of the heat. Physical cooling is usually effective if the heat is caused by external factors such as hot weather or excessive clothing. However, if the heat is caused by internal factors such as internal heat due to yin deficiency, physical cooling tends to be less effective. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the heat in the palms and soles is caused by external factors such as being in a hot environment or wearing overly thick clothing, which prevents the body from dissipating heat effectively, physical methods such as wiping the palms and soles with warm water, reducing clothing layers, and staying in a cool environment can help release heat and alleviate the discomfort caused by the fever.
When the heat in the palms and soles is caused by internal factors such as internal heat due to yin deficiency, the body's internal balance of yin and yang is disrupted. In this case, the heat is not simply due to heat accumulation. Physical cooling can only temporarily relieve the sensation of heat on the surface but cannot fundamentally address the underlying imbalance, so the effect is not significant.
To alleviate the discomfort of hot palms and soles, it is important to adjust clothing according to the ambient temperature, maintain good indoor ventilation, and avoid staying in hot and stuffy environments for extended periods. At the same time, maintaining a regular作息 (作息 means作息 schedule or routine) lifestyle and consuming a light diet while reducing the intake of spicy and irritating foods can help maintain the body's internal balance.
