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Blood Heat: What Is It and How Does It Affect Us?

Blood heat is a term that can have different meanings depending on the context. In general, it refers to the normal temperature of the human body, which is about 37°C or 98.6°F. However, blood heat can also mean a condition where the blood becomes too hot due to various causes, such as infection, inflammation, or emotional stress. This can lead to symptoms such as fever, thirst, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, skin rashes, bleeding, and inflammation of the organs. Blood heat can be diagnosed by checking the pulse, tongue, and complexion of the patient.

Blood heat can be treated by various methods depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Some common ways to cool down the blood are drinking fluids, eating cooling foods (such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and mint), avoiding spicy, greasy, or fried foods, applying cold compresses or ice packs to the affected areas, taking herbal medicines or acupuncture that clear heat and detoxify the blood. In some cases, blood transfusion or blood warming may be necessary to restore the normal temperature and function of the blood. Blood warming is a process of heating the blood before transfusion to prevent adverse reactions such as hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) or hypothermia (low body temperature). Blood warming should be done carefully and within a safe range of 32°C to 37°C.

Blood heat is a concept that has both physiological and psychological implications. It reflects the balance between heat and cold in the body and the mind. Maintaining a healthy blood heat is important for our well-being and vitality.

Causes of Blood Heat

Blood heat can be caused by various factors, both internal and external. Some of the common causes are:

• Infection: Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections can trigger an immune response that raises the body temperature and produces inflammation and toxins in the blood. Examples of infectious diseases that can cause blood heat are malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, sepsis, and meningitis.
• Inflammation: Any injury, trauma, or irritation to the tissues can cause inflammation, which is a process of healing and defense that involves increased blood flow, swelling, redness, pain, and heat. Examples of inflammatory conditions that can cause blood heat are arthritis, gastritis, colitis, hepatitis, appendicitis, and dermatitis.
• Emotional stress: Strong emotions such as anger, frustration, anxiety, or grief can affect the nervous system and the endocrine system, which regulate the body temperature and the blood circulation. Examples of emotional stressors that can cause blood heat are conflict, loss, abuse, trauma, or pressure.

Effects of Blood Heat

Blood heat can have various effects on the body and the mind. Some of the common effects are:

• Fever: Fever is a rise in the body temperature above the normal range of 36.5°C to 37.5°C or 97.7°F to 99.5°F. Fever is a sign of infection or inflammation and can help fight off pathogens by stimulating the immune system and inhibiting their growth. However, fever can also cause discomfort, dehydration, headache, fatigue, and weakness. Fever should be monitored and treated if it exceeds 38.5°C or 101.3°F or lasts longer than three days.
• Thirst: Thirst is a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat that signals the need for water intake. Thirst is a result of dehydration, which is a loss of water and electrolytes from the body due to sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Dehydration can impair the function of the kidneys, the heart, the brain, and the skin. Thirst should be quenched by drinking fluids such as water, juice, soup, or herbal tea.
• Irritability: Irritability is a state of being easily annoyed or angered by minor things. Irritability is a result of emotional stress or physical discomfort that affects the mood and the behavior. Irritability can impair the quality of life and the relationships with others. Irritability should be managed by relaxing techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, or massage.