Treatment of Primary Hyperhidrosis Based on the Concept of "The Liver Governs Defensive Qi"
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2026.19.017
- VernacularTitle:从“肝主卫气”论治原发性多汗症
- Author:
Ziyi WANG
1
;
Liangming SUN
1
;
Yanxing XUE
1
Author Information
1. Guang'anmen Hospital，China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences，Beijing，100053
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
primary hyperhidrosis;
sweating syndrome;
the liver governs the defensive qi
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2026;67(19):2135-2138
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Based on the theory that "the liver governs the defensive qi"， it is believed that an imbalance in liver qi， leading to abnormalities in the generation， distribution， and circulation of defensive qi， constitutes the core pathogenesis of primary hyperhidrosis. The progression can be summarized as follows， emotional distress， leads to liver constraint， qi stagnation， and impaired liver regulation， resulting in abnormal distribution of defensive qi； qi constraint transforms into fire， leading to hyperactive liver fire， and causing the defensive qi to float upward and fail to be contained； yin-blood depletion and hidden consumption， together with， deficiency of the liver body， result in insufficient generation and upward movement of defensive qi. Treatment should align with the nature and functions of the liver. Xiaochaihu Decoction （小柴胡汤） is used to soothe the liver and regulate qi. Longdan Xiegan Decoction （龙胆泻肝汤） combined with Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder （丹栀逍遥散） is applied to clear the liver and drain fire. Suanzaoren Decoction （酸枣仁汤） combined with Yupingfeng Powder （玉屏风散） is prescribed to nourish blood， enrich the liver， tonify qi and promote the ascending movement of liver qi. In addition， verbal counseling is needed to help patients resolving emotional distress.
