What is Cold Hands?

Cold hands, a common condition, refer to a noticeable decrease in temperature in the hands compared to the rest of the body. This symptom can be a normal response to cold environments but may also indicate underlying health issues. People describe it as chilly hands or a persistent cold sensation in the hands. It's essential to differentiate between occasional cold hands due to external factors and a chronic condition that could signify more serious health concerns.

How does TCM view Cold Hands?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets cold hands as a sign of imbalances within the body's energy system. TCM does not just view symptoms in isolation but sees them as indicators of deeper issues.

According to TCM, cold hands can be a manifestation of various patterns of disharmony, such as Blood Stasis, Yang Deficiency, or Qi stagnation. The treatment in TCM focuses on identifying the underlying cause and restoring balance through a combination of methods like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle modifications.

Root Causes of Cold Hands in TCM

In TCM, cold hands are often associated with two primary causes: Blood Stagnation and Yang Deficiency. Blood Stagnation can lead to poor circulation, resulting in cold hands, and is characterized by symptoms like chest pain and a feeling of oppression.

Yang Deficiency, on the other hand, reflects a deficiency in the body's warming energy, leading to symptoms like fatigue, chills, and a pale face. Treatment for each of these patterns varies and aims to restore proper circulation and balance in the body.

Explore below more details about what might cause Cold hands according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Blood Stasis
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Phlegm
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Cold
  • Dampness
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Cold Hands

Common Symptoms: Stifling Sensation In The Chest Palpitations Purple Lips Purple Nails Stabbing Chest Pain Chest Constriction Purple Face Delusions

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Stagnation Cold hands, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Pericardium Blood Stagnation Cold hands, Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots... see more Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Cold Hands

Common Symptoms: Palpitations Chills Exertional Dyspnea Generalized Fatigue Spontaneous Sweat Slight Feeling Of Stuffiness In The Heart Bright Pale Face Dark Lips

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Yang Deficiency Cold hands, Palpitations, Exertional dyspnea, Generalized fatigue, Spontaneous sweat, Slight feeling of stuffiness in the heart, Chills, Bright pale face, Dark lips... see more Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing Cold hands, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, White and watery sputum, Coughing, Asthma... see more Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Cold Hands

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs Cold hands, Coughing, White and watery sputum, Chills, Sputum, Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness... see more Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Cold Hands

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Pericardium Blood Deficiency Cold hands, Chest distension, Chest stiffness, Chest pain, Palpitations, Insomnia, Poor memory... see more Shen Qi Si Wu Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Cold Hands

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs Cold hands, Coughing, White and watery sputum, Chills, Sputum, Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness... see more Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Cold Hands

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing Cold hands, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, White and watery sputum, Coughing, Asthma... see more Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Heart

In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more

Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Cold Hands

Common Symptoms: Palpitations Stabbing Chest Pain Chest Constriction Stifling Sensation In The Chest Purple Lips Purple Nails Purple Face Delusions

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Stagnation Cold hands, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Heart Yang Deficiency Cold hands, Palpitations, Exertional dyspnea, Generalized fatigue, Spontaneous sweat, Slight feeling of stuffiness in the heart, Chills, Bright pale face, Dark lips... see more Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Pericardium

In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more

Pericardium Patterns That Can Lead to Cold Hands

Common Symptoms: Chest Distension Chest Pain Palpitations Shortness Of Breath Chest Stiffness Insomnia Poor Memory Anxiety

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Pericardium Blood Deficiency Cold hands, Chest distension, Chest stiffness, Chest pain, Palpitations, Insomnia, Poor memory... see more Shen Qi Si Wu Tang
Pericardium Blood Stagnation Cold hands, Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots... see more Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Lung

In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more

Lung Patterns That Can Lead to Cold Hands

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs Cold hands, Coughing, White and watery sputum, Chills, Sputum, Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness... see more Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Cold Hands

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing Cold hands, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, White and watery sputum, Coughing, Asthma... see more Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Cold Hands

To address Blood Stagnation, TCM recommends formulas like Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, which invigorates the Blood and dispels Stagnation. For Yang Deficiency, Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang is often used to tonify the Yang and expel Cold.

For conditions like Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, which can also cause cold hands, Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang is suggested to transform phlegm and dampness.

In cases of Pericardium Blood Deficiency, Shen Qi Si Wu Tang, a blood-tonifying formula, is recommended. These herbal treatments are tailored to individual patterns and are often part of a broader therapeutic strategy.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address cold hands, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Blood Stasis
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Phlegm
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Cold
  • Dampness
  • Formulas that warm and transform phlegm-Cold
  • Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that tonify yin and yang
  • Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify blood

All Formulas Recommended for Cold Hands Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang Heart Yang Deficiency
Wu Ling San Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing

All Formulas Recommended for Cold Hands Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
San Zi Yang Qin Tang Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs

All Formulas Recommended for Cold Hands Caused by Cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
San Zi Yang Qin Tang Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs

All Formulas Recommended for Cold Hands Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wu Ling San Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing

All "formulas that warm and transform phlegm-Cold" recommended for cold hands

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
San Zi Yang Qin Tang Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs

Acupoints for Cold Hands

Acupressure and acupuncture are integral to TCM treatment for cold hands. Key acupoints include Laogong P-8, located in the palm center, which clears Heart Fire and calms the mind. Quze P-3, found on the cubital crease, is another significant point that cools blood and invigorates chest Qi.

Stimulating these points can help alleviate the symptom of cold hands by promoting better circulation and addressing the internal imbalances that contribute to this condition.

Explore below some acupoints used to address cold hands, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Pericardium Channel
Quze P-3

Quze P-3

On the transverse cubital crease, at the ulnar side of the tendon of biceps brachii muscle.

Laogong P-8

Laogong P-8

In the center of the palm, between the 2nd and the 3rd metacarpal bones, proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint.