Many people find that as summer arrives, they sweat profusely even with slight movement. Around midday, they often feel chest tightness and shortness of breath, and at night, they toss and turn in bed, unable to sleep. Don’t just blame it on the heat! Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes sweat is the fluid of the heart. In summer, the pores open wide, and sweat flows freely. What’s lost isn’t just water; the body’s qi and yin escape along with it. When the heart lacks nourishment, palpitations and chest tightness naturally occur, and one may feel unwell upon waking from a nap. These symptoms are often manifestations of qi-yin deficiency.

When it comes to regulating qi-yin deficiency, one must mention Sheng Mai Yin (Pulse-Engendering Decoction). This formula originates from *The Compendium of Medical Formulae* (Yī Fāng Jí Jiě). Don’t be fooled by its simplicity—it contains only three herbs: ginseng (rénshēn), ophiopogon root (màidōng), and schisandra berry (wǔwèizi). Yet, their combination is remarkably ingenious! Ginseng specifically tonifies qi, ophiopogon root nourishes yin, and schisandra berry helps to secure and reduce excessive sweating. These three work together to steadily replenish both qi and yin. Beyond nourishing yin, tonifying qi, and stopping deficiency sweating, Sheng Mai Yin offers several other benefits you might not expect!

First, let's talk about sleep issues. Many people experience palpitations and chest tightness as soon as the weather gets hot. They struggle to fall asleep at night, only to wake up frequently in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat. This is actually because excessive sweating has damaged the heart yin. Shengmai Yin can nourish yin and replenish qi, restore the heart meridian, and nourish the heart spirit. When the heart spirit is calmed, sleep naturally improves.

Now, let's address the problem of excessive sweating. Some people break into a sweat with just a little activity, feeling weak all over—this is often due to qi deficiency failing to control sweat. Others sweat profusely after falling asleep at night, waking up with damp and sticky clothing—this is a sign of yin deficiency, where deficient fire forces body fluids outward. Shengmai Yin works by both replenishing qi to strengthen the body's protective barrier and nourishing yin to reduce sweating, gradually helping to recover lost fluids and alleviate excessive sweating.

Next, let’s discuss immunity. Qi is like the body's security door. People with qi deficiency often have weaker resistance and are more prone to catching a cold from a slight breeze. Shengmai Yin replenishes qi and strengthens the body's protective barrier, making the meridian pathways more robust and enhancing the body's defense capabilities, thereby naturally improving immunity.

But the benefits of Shengmai Yin don't stop there! However, it's important to remember that Shengmai Yin is not a universal remedy—it's only suitable for those with both qi and yin deficiency. If you have a thick, yellowish, and greasy tongue coating (indicating dampness) or are currently experiencing cold or fever symptoms, it's best not to use it. The content of this article is for educational purposes only. If you experience any physical discomfort, please seek treatment under the guidance of a professional physician.