From the perspective of modern medicine, what the Donguibogam calls spontaneous sweating due to qi deficiency can be seen as very closely linked to the complex manifestations of chronic fatigue syndrome and hyperhidrosis. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition accompanied by diverse symptoms such as lethargy, impaired concentration, sleep disorder, and muscle pain alongside severe fatigue lasting for six months or longer, far beyond mere tiredness. Behind these symptoms, complex systems of our body are intricately intertwined.
First and foremost is the imbalance of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system regulates life-sustaining functions such as heartbeat, digestion, thermoregulation, and sweat secretion regardless of our conscious will. When stress or overwork persists, the sympathetic nerve becomes excessively activated, disrupting its balance with the parasympathetic nerve and shifting the body constantly into an emergency mode. This heightened sympathetic nerve constricts blood vessels, elevates heart rate, and stimulates sweat glands, causing excessive and unnecessary perspiration. This can be one cause of hyperhidrosis, which we perceive as cold sweats. The body continually wastes and consumes energy, creating a vicious cycle that ultimately leads to chronic fatigue.
Another vital link is the endocrine system. In particular, hypofunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, namely adrenal fatigue, which responds to stress, is one of the core mechanisms explaining chronic fatigue syndrome and hyperhidrosis. Continuous stress wears out the adrenal gland and disrupts cortisol secretion, which can lead to decreased immunity, increased inflammation, and thermoregulation dysfunction, abnormally increasing sweat secretion. In addition, thyroid gland dysfunction can affect metabolism, inducing changes in sweat secretion along with fatigue.
Imbalances in neurotransmitters cannot be overlooked either. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine play crucial roles in regulating mood, sleep, and energy, and an imbalance among them can worsen various symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, including lethargy, depressive feelings, and cognitive decline. Ultimately, modern medicine provides a scientific explanation that the Donguibogam's qi deficiency goes beyond a simple lack of energy, representing a complex phenomenon arising when the delicate balance of our autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, and neurotransmitters is disrupted. Never ignore the signals sent by your body. Our body is always speaking with utmost honesty.
