Dampness and heat pathogenic factors (null)

In TCM, dampness and heat pathogenic factors (often called damp-heat) denote a state of internal disharmony where excess moisture (dampness) combines with heat or "heat toxins" in the body. This condition is not a molecular entity but a diagnostic pattern characterized by chronicity, complexity, and resistance to healing, often manifesting in inflammatory, metabolic, digestive, or dermatological problems. Dampness is a "Yin pathogen," described as turbid, heavy, and sticky, impeding the flow of Qi and blood, while heat is associated with inflammation, fever, swelling, or burning sensations. These factors are invoked to explain many chronic and complex illnesses within TCM, but they do not correspond to any specific biological structure, gene, protein, or receptor recognized in biomedical science.

Other names

Damp-heatdampness-heat湿热 (Shī Rè)

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