Cold Extremities in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different cold extremities patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Cold extremities, a common ailment experienced by many, refers to a noticeable chill or lack of warmth in the hands and feet, which can sometimes extend to the arms and legs. This condition is more than just a temporary reaction to cold weather; for some, it is a persistent feeling that can affect their daily life.
The synonyms, including chilly hands and feet, cold sensation in extremities, and extremities cold sensation, all describe this uncomfortable state, highlighting its prevalence across different populations.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cold extremities are not just a superficial symptom but an indication of deeper imbalances within the body's energetic systems.
TCM interprets this condition as potentially stemming from a Deficiency of Qi (life force), or imbalance between Yin and Yang energy, leading to a failure to adequately warm and nourish the body's extremities. This holistic view emphasizes the interconnectedness of internal organ functions and the flow of Qi throughout the body.
TCM Patterns for Cold Extremities
Cold
Congeals body fluids, damages Yang Qi, and causes pain with fixed location
Causes: Cold extremities, Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Cold is the predominant pathogenic factor of winter in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cold represents an environmental pathogen that, when excessive, causes disease characterized by its cold, congealing, and contracting nature. While Cold is the main pathogen of winter, it can cause illness in any season through exposure to cold temperatures, getting caught in rain, sweating followed by wind exposure, or excessive air conditioning.
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Cold extremities
Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice
Cold in the Uterus
Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Along with: Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Stagnation of Cold in the Liver Channel
Cold hands and feet
Along with: Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Testicular pain, Scrotal contraction, Vertical headaches, Chills, Cold extremities, Vomiting clear liquid, Vaginal atrophy
Cold invading the Stomach
Cold limbs
Along with: Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Nausea, Feeling worse after drinking cold drinks
Cold-Phlegm
Cold limbs
Along with: White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Nausea, Loss of appetite
Damp-Cold
Cold limbs
Along with: Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness
Empty-Cold
Cold limbs
Along with: Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Apathy, Excessive sweating, Diarrhea, Clear urination, Frequent urination
Large Intestine Cold
Cold limbs
Along with: Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Borborygmi, Clear urination, Cold extremities
Lesser Yin Cold Transformation
Cold limbs
Along with: Chills, Diarrhea, Absence of thirst, Desire to lie down curled up, Apathy, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Frequent pale urination
Small Intestine Deficient and Cold
Cold limbs
Along with: Borborygmi, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure or eating, Craving for hot beverages, Diarrhea, Pale and abudant urination, Cold extremities
Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp
Cold extremities
Along with: Body pain, Bone and joint pain, Absence of thirst, Aversion to cold, Migraine, Cluster headache, Trigeminal neuralgia, Piriformis syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Cervical spondylosis
Exterior Cold invading the Interior
Cold hands and feet
Along with: Abdominal pain, Constipation, Hypochondriac pain, Chills, Low grade fever, Cold extremities, Sweating that doesn't reduce fever, Epigastric palpitations, Dizziness, Twitching
Yang Deficiency
Insufficient yang qi causing coldness, fatigue, and diminished physiological functions throughout the body
Causes: Cold extremities, Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Yang Deficiency represents a fundamental weakness of the body's yang qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It manifests as an inability to warm the body, transform substances, and maintain normal physiological activities, resulting in various cold-type symptoms and functional decline.
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Cold extremities
Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Cold extremities, Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Along with: Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation
Lesser Yin Cold Transformation
Cold limbs
Along with: Chills, Diarrhea, Absence of thirst, Desire to lie down curled up, Apathy, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Frequent pale urination
Lung Yang Deficiency
Cold limbs
Along with: Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Cold extremities, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Pale face, Generalized fatigue, Shortness of breath, Absence of thirst, Wheezing, Weak voice
Spleen Yang Deficiency
Cold limbs
Along with: Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills, Undigested food in stools, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth, Dull shallow face
Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold
Cold limbs
Along with: Epigastric pain relieved with pressure or eating, Loss of appetite, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Absence of thirst, Weak limbs, Cold extremities, Generalized fatigue, Pale face
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
Cold limbs
Along with: Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth, Frequent urination, Polyuria, Nocturia, White vaginal discharge
Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp
Cold extremities
Along with: Body pain, Bone and joint pain, Absence of thirst, Aversion to cold, Migraine, Cluster headache, Trigeminal neuralgia, Piriformis syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Cervical spondylosis
Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency
Cold extremities
Along with: Pale face, Facial edema, Oedema of limbs, Abdominal distention, Shortness of breath, Diarrhea, Frequent urination, Lupus
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
Cold hands and feet
Along with: Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Palpitations
Qi Deficiency
Insufficient vital energy causing fatigue, weakness, poor digestion, and reduced function of organs and protective systems
Causes: Cold limbs
Qi Deficiency is a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's vital energy is insufficient to maintain normal physiological functions, leading to weakness, fatigue, and various organ dysfunctions.
Qi Deficiency
Cold limbs
Along with: General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Apathy, Dislike of speaking, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Shortness of breath
Kidney Qi not Firm
Cold limbs
Along with: Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Cold extremities, White vaginal discharge, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Recurrent miscarriage
Spleen Deficiency
Cold limbs
Along with: Sticky vaginal discharge, Generalized fatigue, Depression, Cold extremities, Diarrhea, White vaginal discharge, Loss of appetite, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Weak limbs
Dampness
Heavy, sticky moisture that obstructs body functions and creates sluggishness
Causes: Cold limbs, Cold extremities
Dampness manifests as swelling, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the head and limbs, and digestive issues. It's like having waterlogged tissues that make everything feel heavy and slow. Common signs include a thick, greasy tongue coating, sticky mouth sensation, and stools that are difficult to flush.
Damp-Cold
Cold limbs
Along with: Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness
Oedema
Cold limbs
Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema, Ocular swelling, Abdominal distention
Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp
Cold extremities
Along with: Body pain, Bone and joint pain, Absence of thirst, Aversion to cold, Migraine, Cluster headache, Trigeminal neuralgia, Piriformis syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Cervical spondylosis
Yin Deficiency
Depletion of cooling, moistening fluids causing dryness, false heat rising, and restless agitation throughout the body
Causes: Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Yin Deficiency represents a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's yin fluids - blood, essence, and body fluids - become depleted, losing their ability to cool, moisten, and anchor the yang energy, resulting in relative hyperactivity of yang and internal heat manifestations.
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
Cold hands and feet
Along with: Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Palpitations
Kidney-Deficiency
Cold limbs
Along with: Scanty menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Back pain, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Frequent urination, Late menstruation, Chills, Cold extremities
Phlegm
Thick, sticky pathological fluid that obstructs body functions and can manifest anywhere in the body
Causes: Cold limbs
Phlegm is both a pathological product and a pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It results from impaired fluid metabolism when the body's transformative functions fail, particularly affecting the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys. Classical texts emphasize that "the Spleen is the source of phlegm production, while the Lungs are the storage vessel for phlegm."
Cold-Phlegm
Cold limbs
Along with: White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Nausea, Loss of appetite
Oedema
Cold limbs
Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema, Ocular swelling, Abdominal distention
Qi Stagnation
Blocked or disrupted flow of vital energy causing distending pain, emotional distress, and symptoms that worsen with stress
Causes: Cold limbs
Qi Stagnation is a fundamental pathological pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the smooth flow of vital energy becomes obstructed, creating areas of pressure, pain, and dysfunction throughout the body.
Heart Qi Stagnation
Cold limbs
Along with: Palpitations, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Depression
Pericardium Qi Stagnation
Cold limbs
Along with: Mild chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sighing, Throat lumps, Palpitations, Depression, Irritability, Loss of appetite, Weak limbs, Cold extremities
Blood Stasis
Blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels
Causes: Cold hands and feet
Blood Stasis represents blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels, either moving too slowly, pooling in certain areas, or congealing into clots. It's one of the most important pathological conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine and can be both a result of disease and a cause of further illness.
Heart Vessel obstructed
Cold hands and feet
Along with: Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Dislike of speaking, Cold extremities, Sighing, Purple lips, Purple nails, Purple face
Yang Collapse
Sudden, catastrophic loss of yang energy causing systemic shutdown with cold sweating, frozen extremities, and consciousness fading
Causes: Cold limbs
Yang Collapse represents the most critical yang deficiency pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine - a life-threatening condition where the body's yang energy suddenly and massively depletes, leading to systemic functional failure.
Collapse of Yang
Cold limbs
Along with: Apathy, Chills, Cold extremities, Bright pale face, Sweating on forehead, Absence of thirst, Urinary or fecal incontinence, Frequent urination, Diarrhea
Qi Sinking
Weakened lifting force causing downward bearing sensations, organ prolapse, and inability to hold things in their proper position
Causes: Cold limbs
Qi Sinking represents a progression from Spleen Qi deficiency in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the spleen's essential lifting function fails, causing various downward symptoms and organ displacement.
Large Intestine collapse
Cold limbs
Along with: Chronic diarrhea, Anus prolapse, Hemorrhoids, Generalized fatigue, Cold extremities, Loss of appetite, Mental exhaustion, Craving for hot beverages
Yin Excess
Pathological accumulation of cold, heavy substances causing stagnation, obstruction, and suppression of yang energy with internal cold manifestations
Causes: Cold limbs
Yin Excess represents patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine where yin-natured pathological substances - cold, phlegm, dampness, and fluids - accumulate excessively in the body, overwhelming yang energy and causing obstruction, stagnation, and cold manifestations throughout the system.
Yin Excess
Cold limbs
Along with: Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Epigastric pain worsen by pressure, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Nausea, Excessive vaginal discharge, Loss of appetite, Pain relieved by heat, Chills, Cold extremities, Pale urine
Wind
Causes sudden symptoms, movement disorders, and serves as the vehicle for other pathogens
Causes: Cold extremities
Wind is the predominant pathogenic factor of spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is considered the leader of the six external pathogens. Wind is described as "the leader of the hundred diseases" (百病之长), serving as the primary factor in external pathogenic invasions. Wind represents a pathogen characterized by constant movement, changeability, and a tendency to affect the upper and outer portions of the body.
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Cold extremities
Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice
Heat
Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes
Causes: Cold hands and feet
Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.
Heat in Pericardium
Cold hands and feet
Along with: Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities
Herbal Formulas for Cold Extremities
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address cold extremities
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner)
- Raises the Yang
- Detoxifies
- Lifts what has sunken
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Apathy, Dislike of speaking, Spontaneous sweat...
Spleen Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Sticky vaginal discharge, Generalized fatigue, Depression, Cold extremities, Diarrhea, White vaginal discharge...
Large Intestine collapse
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Chronic diarrhea, Anus prolapse, Hemorrhoids, Generalized fatigue, Cold extremities, Loss of appetite...
Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills...
You Gui Wan
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang
- Replenishes the Essence
- Tonifies the Blood
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold extremities, Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Kidney-Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Scanty menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Back pain, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus...
Kidney Qi not Firm
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission...
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth...
Wu Ling San
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes urination,
- Warms the Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Promotes Qi transformation function
- Drains Dampness
- Clears edema
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold extremities
Accompanying symptoms:
Pale face, Facial edema, Oedema of limbs, Abdominal distention, Shortness of breath, Diarrhea...
Oedema
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Yin Excess
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Epigastric pain worsen by pressure, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Nausea...
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Yang
- Warms the Kidneys and lower extremities
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold extremities, Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth...
Ban Liu Wan
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Fortifies the Fire at the Gate of Vitality
- Expels Cold
- Unblocks the Yang
- Drains Turbidity
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Empty-Cold
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Apathy, Excessive sweating...
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth...
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates the flow of Qi,
- Clears Phlegm
- Treats esophageal spasm
- Descends Rebellious Qi
- Dissipates clumps
- Relieves Stagnation
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Heart Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Depression
Pericardium Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Mild chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sighing, Throat lumps, Palpitations...
Er Xian Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin and tonifies Yang of the Kidneys
- Clears Empty Heat
- Regulates the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it manifests:
Cold hands and feet
Accompanying symptoms:
Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability...
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold extremities, Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Er Zhi Wan
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Liver Yin
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it manifests:
Cold hands and feet
Accompanying symptoms:
Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability...
Kidney-Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Scanty menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Back pain, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus...
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach)
- Tonifies Qi
- Relieves spasmodic pain
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Empty-Cold
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Apathy, Excessive sweating...
Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Epigastric pain relieved with pressure or eating, Loss of appetite, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Absence of thirst, Weak limbs...
Liang Fu Wan
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Dispels Cold
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Alleviates Pain
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Cold invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Nausea...
Large Intestine Cold
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Borborygmi, Clear urination, Cold extremities
Tu Si Zi Wan
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Kidneys
- Prevents abnormal leakage such as urinary incontinence or seminal emissions
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Qi not Firm
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission...
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold extremities, Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Wu Pi Yin
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Reduces edema, diuretic
- Regulates and strengthens Spleen Qi
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Yin Excess
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Epigastric pain worsen by pressure, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Nausea...
Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Liver and Stomach
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops vomiting
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Cold invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Nausea...
Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Epigastric pain relieved with pressure or eating, Loss of appetite, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Absence of thirst, Weak limbs...
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach)
- Tonifies Qi
- Relieves spasmodic pain
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Small Intestine Deficient and Cold
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Borborygmi, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure or eating, Craving for hot beverages, Diarrhea, Pale and abudant urination, Cold extremities
Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Epigastric pain relieved with pressure or eating, Loss of appetite, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Absence of thirst, Weak limbs...
Yi Huang Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Dries Dampness
- Clears Heat
- Stops vaginal discharge
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Spleen Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Sticky vaginal discharge, Generalized fatigue, Depression, Cold extremities, Diarrhea, White vaginal discharge...
Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills...
Zhen Wu Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Yang and Qi of the Spleen and Kidneys
- Eliminates Dampness
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills...
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Heart Vessel obstructed
How it manifests:
Cold hands and feet
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain...
Da Huang Fu Zi Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Interior
- Disperses Cold
- Unblocks the bowels
- Alleviates pain
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Exterior Cold invading the Interior
How it manifests:
Cold hands and feet
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal pain, Constipation, Hypochondriac pain, Chills, Low grade fever, Cold extremities...
Da Jian Zhong Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Middle Burner Deficiency
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Empty-Cold
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Apathy, Excessive sweating...
Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Channels
- Disperses Cold
- Nourishes the Blood
- Unblocks the Blood vessels
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Heart Vessel obstructed
How it manifests:
Cold hands and feet
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain...
Di Tan Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Removes Phlegm
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Tonifies Qi
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Heart Vessel obstructed
How it manifests:
Cold hands and feet
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain...
Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Diuretic, clears Excess fluid and removes edema
- Tonifies the Spleen Qi
- Calms External Wind
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Fu Tu Dan
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Stabilizes the Kidney Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Stops leakage
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Qi not Firm
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission...
Fu Zi Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Meridians
- Assists the Yang
- Dispels Cold
- Transforms Dampness
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp
How it manifests:
Cold extremities
Accompanying symptoms:
Body pain, Bone and joint pain, Absence of thirst, Aversion to cold, Migraine, Cluster headache...
Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Lungs
- Strengthens the Stomach
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Lung Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Cold extremities, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Pale face, Generalized fatigue...
Gu Ben Zhi Beng Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and Yang
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Apathy, Dislike of speaking, Spontaneous sweat...
Gui Pi Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and nourish Qi and Blood
- Tonifies Heart and Spleen
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Apathy, Dislike of speaking, Spontaneous sweat...
Huang Tu Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Nourishes the Blood
- Stops bleeding
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills...
Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and revives the Yang
- Augments the Qi
- Revives the pulse
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Collapse of Yang
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Apathy, Chills, Cold extremities, Bright pale face, Sweating on forehead, Absence of thirst...
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Transforms Dampness
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Cold invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Nausea...
Ji Chuan Jian
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Kidneys
- Nourishes the Blood
- Strengthens the Essence
- Moistens the Intestines
- Unblocks bowels
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold extremities, Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Stabilizes the Kidneys
- Binds up the semen
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Qi not Firm
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission...
Liang Di Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin
- Cools Blood
- Stop bleeding
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney-Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Scanty menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Back pain, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus...
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Lungs
- Transforms congested Fluids
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Cold-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Nausea, Loss of appetite
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and transforms Phlegm-Fluids
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifes the Yang
- Releases the Exterior
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold extremities
Accompanying symptoms:
Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain...
Nuan Gan Jian
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Liver and Kidneys
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Alleviates pain
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Stagnation of Cold in the Liver Channel
How it manifests:
Cold hands and feet
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Testicular pain, Scrotal contraction, Vertical headaches, Chills, Cold extremities...
Ping Wei San
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness
- Improves the Spleen's transportive function
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Qing E Wan
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and Reinforces Kidney Yang
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Qi not Firm
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission...
Qing Ying Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Nutritive level Heat
- Relieves Fire Toxin
- Removes Heat
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Heat in Pericardium
How it manifests:
Cold hands and feet
Accompanying symptoms:
Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities
San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Directs the Qi downward
- Transforms Phlegm
- Reduces harbored food
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Cold-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Nausea, Loss of appetite
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Cold and warm the menstruation Blood
- Stops pain
- Invigorates Blood
- Dispels Blood stagnation
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Shen Fu Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores Yang
- Strongly tonifies the source Qi
- Saves Qi from collapsing due to devastated Yang
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Collapse of Yang
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Apathy, Chills, Cold extremities, Bright pale face, Sweating on forehead, Absence of thirst...
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Stops diarrhea
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Small Intestine Deficient and Cold
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Borborygmi, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure or eating, Craving for hot beverages, Diarrhea, Pale and abudant urination, Cold extremities
Sheng Mai San
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments Qi
- Supplies the Yin
- Stops excessive sweating
- Generates Body Fluids
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Lung Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Cold extremities, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Pale face, Generalized fatigue...
Si Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Lung Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Cold extremities, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Pale face, Generalized fatigue...
Si Ni Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Rescues devastated Yang
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Stops diarrhea
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Lesser Yin Cold Transformation
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, Diarrhea, Absence of thirst, Desire to lie down curled up, Apathy, Hypersomnia...
Tao Hua Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle
- Dispels Cold
- Binds up the bowels and stops dysenteric disorders
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Large Intestine Cold
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Borborygmi, Clear urination, Cold extremities
Wan Dai Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Middle Burner
- Removes Dampness
- Stops vaginal discharge
- Strengthens the Spleen
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Spleen Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Sticky vaginal discharge, Generalized fatigue, Depression, Cold extremities, Diarrhea, White vaginal discharge...
Wei Ling Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes urination
- Warms the Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Damp-Cold
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain...
Wen Jing Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Uterus and vessels
- Nourishes Blood
- Dispels Cold
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Wen Pi Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Spleen Yang
- Clears Cold Evil
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills...
Wen Qi Hua Shi Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Supports Kidney Yang
- Supplies Spleen Qi
- Expels Cold and Dampness from the Uterus
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Strengthens the Essence
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold extremities, Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Strengthens and harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach
- Resolves Dampness
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Epigastric pain relieved with pressure or eating, Loss of appetite, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Absence of thirst, Weak limbs...
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Dispels blood Stagnation
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Unblocks the channels
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Heart Vessel obstructed
How it manifests:
Cold hands and feet
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain...
Yu Gong San
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels water
- Reduces edema
- Unblocks the bowels
- Moves Qi
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Yu Lin Zhu
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Consolidates the Penetrating and Directing Vessel (Chong Mai, Ren Mai)
- Facilitating pregnancy
- Promotes Blood circulation and regulates menstruation
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold extremities, Cold hands and feet, Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Zai Zao San
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonfies the Yang
- Augments the Qi
- Induces sweating
- Releases the Exterior
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold extremities
Accompanying symptoms:
Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain...
Zhi Bao Dan
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Resolves toxicity
- Transforms Phlegm
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Heat in Pericardium
How it manifests:
Cold hands and feet
Accompanying symptoms:
Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities
Zhou Che Wan
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes Qi movement
- Harshly drives out Water and Heat Stagnation
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Zuo Gui Wan
Addresses these cold extremities patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Strengthens the Kidneys
- Fills the Essence
- Augments the marrow
Addresses These Cold Extremities Pattern Variations
Kidney-Deficiency
How it manifests:
Cold limbs
Accompanying symptoms:
Scanty menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Back pain, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus...
Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
Traditional formula for cold extremities
Main Actions
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Arrests wheezing
- Stops coughing
- Warms and transforms Phlegm-Cold
Ren Shen Ge Jie San
Traditional formula for cold extremities
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Qi
- Augments the Kidneys
- Stops coughing
- Arrests wheezing
Wu Mei Wan
Traditional formula for cold extremities
Main Actions
- Warms the Organs
- Drains Heat
- Calms roundworms
- Drains the Liver
- Calms the Stomach