Is night sweating due to yin deficiency or yang deficiency, and what medication should be taken?

Night sweats are usually associated with yin deficiency. Yin deficiency refers to an insufficiency of bodily yin fluids, which fails to restrain yang qi, resulting in relatively excessive yang activity at night. This forces sweat to escape from the body, causing the phenomenon of night sweats. Patients often experience additional symptoms of internal heat due to yin deficiency, such as heat in the palms, soles, and chest, dry mouth and throat, insomnia, and vivid dreams. Treatment for night sweats primarily focuses on nourishing yin, reducing fire, reinforcing the exterior, and stopping sweating.

Commonly used medications include Liuwei Dihuang Wan and Zhibai Dihuang Wan. These formulas contain ingredients that nourish yin and tonify the kidneys, effectively regulating the body's yin-yang balance and alleviating night sweats. Additionally, under medical guidance, patients may use Chinese herbs such as Huangqi (Astragalus), Fu Xiao Mai (floating wheat), and Mu Li (oyster shell), which have properties to consolidate the exterior and reduce sweating.

Treatment for night sweats should be individualized based on the patient’s constitution and specific condition, and self-medication is not recommended. All medication use should be conducted under the supervision of a physician.