How to manage hot flashes, excessive sweating, and poor sleep

The most common causes of hot flashes and night sweats are deficiency of yin in the lungs and kidneys, along with deficient fire. Symptoms such as dry cough without phlegm or with minimal, thick sputum, dry mouth and throat, and heat in the five centers (palms, soles, and chest), especially in the afternoon, are typically associated with lung yin deficiency. Commonly used medications include Yangyin Qingfei Wan and Baihe Gujin Wan. If symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, heat in the five centers, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia with frequent dreams, or even premature ejaculation and nocturnal emission occur, these usually indicate kidney yin deficiency. Commonly used remedies for this condition include Liuwei Dihuang Wan and Zhibai Dihuang Wan. In general, spicy foods should be avoided, adequate rest maintained, and staying up late should be avoided. Medications must be taken under the guidance of a pharmacist.