Q I have hyperhidrosis and also anxiety / panic disorder. Can they be treated together?
A Hyperhidrosis and anxiety disorders share a common mechanism — sympathetic nervous system overactivation — and each worsens the other. Korean medicine can address both simultaneously through prescriptions that calm the Heart-Spirit (心神), making it more efficient than treating each condition separately. When necessary, combining cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with Korean medicine treatment doubles the effectiveness.
Detailed Answer
Anxiety/panic disorder and hyperhidrosis very commonly co-occur. When anxiety hyperactivates the amygdala and sympathetic nervous system, eccrine sweat gland secretion increases immediately; perceiving the sweating then raises social anxiety further, creating a vicious cycle. CBT and relaxation training raise the threshold for sympathetic excitation, thereby contributing to hyperhidrosis improvement as well.
Korean Medicine Perspective
In Korean medicine, Heart-Gallbladder Deficiency-Timidity (心膽虛怯) — a constitution in which the Heart and Gallbladder are weak, causing easy fright and fear — is the pathomechanism that simultaneously causes panic and hyperhidrosis. Ondam-tang (溫膽湯) and Gwibee-tang (歸脾湯) strengthen the Heart and Gallbladder, while Sanjoin (酸棗仁), Yongol (龍骨), and Moreo (牡蠣) calm the nervous system, alleviating both sweating and anxiety at the same time. Combining acupuncture at Sinmun (神門), Naegwan (內關), and Sameumsyo (三陰交) produces a synergistic effect in restoring autonomic nervous balance.
Related FAQs
-
Q
I have had dyshidrosis for 20 years — can it still improve with Korean medicine at my age?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
My melasma appeared together with irregular periods. Are they connected?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
What daily management is needed to prevent dyshidrotic eczema from recurring?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
Are there daily habits that can help manage melasma and age spots?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
I have keloids — can scratching or pressing them make them worse? What precautions should I take?
#Safety