“Why Heat Makes You Irritable: Western Medicine and TCM Solutions”
- caulocare
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
By Dr. Phumlarp Caulo – Caulo Care Acupuncture, Forest Hills, New York
Introduction
Many people ask, “Why does hot weather affect mood?” If you’ve ever thought, “Heat makes me angry,” you’re not alone. Research shows that heat and irritability are closely connected. Hot environments, dehydration, or even eating too much warming food can increase frustration, anger, and mood swings.
At Caulo Care Acupuncture in Forest Hills, New York, we combine modern medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to help patients manage these challenges. Through acupuncture for stress in New York, cooling herbs, and lifestyle care, we offer solutions that balance both body and mind.
Western Medicine Explanation
1. Brain Chemistry and Heat
Stress Hormones: Heat stress raises cortisol and adrenaline, pushing the body into “fight or flight.” This makes irritability more likely.
Neurotransmitters: High body temperature reduces serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Low serotonin is linked with anxiety, mood swings, and anger.
Sleep Disruption: Hot nights often lead to poor sleep, worsening emotional instability.
2. Circulation and Nervous System
Vascular Effects: Heat dilates blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, which may cause dizziness and irritability.
Dehydration: A common factor in summer—it disrupts electrolytes needed for brain and nerve function, leading to frustration and mental fog.
TCM Perspective: Heat and Emotions
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long recognized the connection between heat and emotions. In TCM theory:
Heart Fire: Excess internal heat agitates the Heart, leading to restlessness, insomnia, and irritability.
Liver Qi Stagnation with Heat: Stress plus external heat can create Liver Fire, showing up as anger, impatience, and emotional reactivity. (TCM for anger and irritability explains this pattern well.)
Stomach Heat: Overeating spicy or greasy food creates internal heat, which rises upward, disturbing the mind.
Posture, Anatomy & Physiology (A&P)
Postural Heat Trapping: Poor posture—like slouching or rounded shoulders—restricts circulation in the chest, making the body retain heat and tension.
Nervous System Pathways: Compression of the chest and spine increases sympathetic nervous activity (stress response), which, combined with heat, intensifies irritability.
Treatment Approaches
Western Medicine Management
Hydration & Electrolytes: Drinking water with minerals restores nervous system balance.
Cooling Environment: Fans, air-conditioning, and breathable clothing help prevent overheating.
Medical Care: In severe cases (like heat exhaustion), IV fluids or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed.
TCM & Acupuncture
Acupuncture for Stress (New York patients often search for this):
HT-7 (Shenmen) – calms the mind, reduces irritability.
LR-2 (Xingjian) – clears Liver Fire, helps with anger.
GV-20 (Baihui) – balances heat rising to the head.
Cupping & Gua Sha: Clear excess heat and release muscular tension.
Herbal Medicine & Natural Remedies
Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua) – clears Liver Heat, calms irritability.
Scutellaria (Huang Qin) – reduces inflammation and internal fire.
Lotus Seed (Lian Zi) – nourishes the Heart, stabilizes emotions.
Mint (Bo He) – disperses external heat, relieves mood swings.(Cooling herbs for stress relief are some of the best natural remedies for mood swings).
Prevention and Lifestyle Care
Avoid Heat-Producing Foods: Limit alcohol, caffeine, fried foods, and excess spice.
Cooling Diet: Watermelon, cucumbers, pears, and green tea help regulate body heat.
Mind-Body Practices: Tai chi, qigong, and yoga open the chest and regulate breath.
Sleep Hygiene: A cool, quiet environment improves rest and stabilizes mood.
Regular Acupuncture: Preventive care at a Forest Hills acupuncture clinic can help patients maintain balance year-round.
Conclusion
Heat—whether from summer weather, diet, or stress—has a profound effect on mood. Western medicine points to neurotransmitters, hormones, and dehydration, while TCM explains how heat disturbs the Heart and Liver, leading to anger and irritability.
At Caulo Care Acupuncture in Forest Hills, New York, we provide acupuncture for emotional health in NYC, combined with herbal remedies and lifestyle guidance, to help patients find calm, balance, and resilience—even on the hottest days.
This information is only educational and should not be construed as medical advice.
Everything must be balanced, and the suggestions may not apply to you.
A specialist doctor should be consulted for any medical advice or diagnosis.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW!
Acupuncture near me at Forest Hill, NY
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Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LA,c, MAc. OM, DAHM
Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine
Caulo Care Acupuncture
🔖 By appointment only
☎️+1 (929) 269-4549
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