Sudden Facial Flushing, Heart Palpitations | Incheon Hot Flashes

Even though it's not particularly hot, only my face feels flushed. A sensation of heat, as if hot embers are rising from the center of my chest. I sigh in frustration, but the heat doesn't subside easily. "I wonder if it's menopause, and I'm also worried if there's a problem with my heart. Especially at night, when the heat rises, my heart races, and I can't sleep."

The heat sensation in your face and chest is not simply a matter of body temperature.

It's a clear sign that the energy circulation within your body is out of balance, and an important warning sign from your body that, if left unaddressed, could lead to bigger problems.

Our Body's Broken 'Heating System'

Our body is like a sophisticated central heating system. It circulates warm energy evenly throughout the body to maintain an appropriate temperature. But what happens if the circulation pump of this heating system breaks down or the pipes get blocked? Hot energy has nowhere to go and only rushes upwards, while the hands, feet, and lower abdomen, which should be warm, become cold. This is the state of 'Shang Ye Xia Han' (上熱下寒), where the face and chest are hot and uncomfortable, but the lower body is cold.

This circulatory stagnation often accompanies various systemic symptoms, such as palpitations (racing heart), dry eyes, headaches, insomnia, and chronic fatigue.

'Shu Sheng Hua Jiang' (Water Rising, Fire Descending): The Breakdown of Nature's Principle

In traditional Korean medicine (TKM), a healthy body is seen as one where 'Shu Sheng Hua Jiang' (水昇火降, Water Rising, Fire Descending) circulates smoothly. This is an ideal energy circulation where 'cold water (kidney energy)' rises to keep the head clear and cool, and 'hot fire (heart energy)' descends to warm the hands, feet, and lower abdomen. The heat sensation in the face and chest indicates a disruption of this natural principle.

The biggest cause is stress. Stress causes the 'Liver (肝)' energy to stagnate, blocking the circulatory pathways throughout the body. This leads to 'Fire (火)' rising upwards. Additionally, if the body's 'Water (Jinyek/body fluids)' becomes deficient due to aging or overwork, the 'Fire' cannot be controlled, leading to a rise of 'deficient heat'.

Therefore, traditional Korean medical treatment focuses not merely on reducing heat, but on unblocking stagnant circulation (Soganhaeul 疏肝解鬱 - soothing the liver and resolving stagnation), replenishing deficient 'Water' (Jaumbosin 滋陰補腎 - enriching yin and nourishing the kidneys), and helping the body restore its healthy 'Shu Sheng Hua Jiang' balance.

3 Habits to Bring Down Rising Heat and Aid Circulation

Everyday wisdom is needed to bring down the heat that has risen upwards and to aid overall body circulation.

Habit 1: Stress Management

The surging heat sensation can be a signal from your mind. For 10 minutes a day, close your eyes and practice deep diaphragmatic breathing. Imagine expelling the stuffiness accumulated in your chest by exhaling longer than you inhale.

Habit 2: Avoid Trigger Foods

Spicy and stimulating foods, alcohol, and coffee are like pouring oil on the embers within your body. It's best to temporarily avoid foods that can aggravate the heat sensation and increase your intake of fresh vegetables that help cool the body.

Habit 3: Lower Body Circulation Exercises

The best way to bring down the heat that has risen upwards is to move your lower body. Exercises that stimulate lower body muscles, such as light walks, jogging, climbing stairs, and squats, are very effective in improving overall circulation.

Before a 'Small Spark' Spreads into a 'Full-Body Fire'

It's easy to dismiss the heat sensation in your face and chest as 'just how your body is' and neglect it. However, this small spark is an important warning sign that the balance of your body's circulatory system and autonomic nervous system has been disrupted.

Ignoring this warning sign can lead to a 'fire' spreading throughout the entire body, escalating beyond simple heat sensations to chronic insomnia, anxiety disorders, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular strain.

However, now, understanding the meaning of the heat sensation your body is sending and striving to restore the disrupted balance is the wisest choice, not just to cool the heat in your face, but to prevent more serious systemic diseases and regain peace of mind and body.

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