Symptom family: Cold Sensations and Intolerance
Parent symptom: Chills
Explore below more details about what might cause Severe chills according to TCM.
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
Common Symptoms: Lack Of Sweating Headaches Low Grade Fever Exhaustion Hypersomnia Cold Extremities Lumbar Pain Lower Back Pain
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency | Severe chills, Low grade fever, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice... see more | Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Zai Zao San |
Wind Cold with Internal Heat | Strong chills, Strong fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Hemoptysis, Mottled skin... see more | Shi Gao Tang |
In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more
Common Symptoms: Lack Of Sweating Headaches Low Grade Fever Exhaustion Hypersomnia Cold Extremities Lumbar Pain Lower Back Pain
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency | Severe chills, Low grade fever, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice... see more | Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Zai Zao San |
Wind Cold with Internal Heat | Strong chills, Strong fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Hemoptysis, Mottled skin... see more | Shi Gao Tang |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency | Severe chills, Low grade fever, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice... see more | Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Zai Zao San |
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Wind Cold with Internal Heat | Strong chills, Strong fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Hemoptysis, Mottled skin... see more | Shi Gao Tang |
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address severe chills, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause severe chills, such as Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency |
Zai Zao San | Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency |
Shi Gao Tang | Wind Cold with Internal Heat |
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause severe chills, such as Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency |
Zai Zao San | Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency |
Shi Gao Tang | Wind Cold with Internal Heat |
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause severe chills, such as Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency |
Zai Zao San | Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency |
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause severe chills, such as Wind Cold with Internal Heat
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some severe chills-causing patterns like Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency |
Zai Zao San | Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some severe chills-causing patterns like Wind Cold with Internal Heat.
One such formula is Shi Gao Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address severe chills, organized by herb category.
Severe chills can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for severe chills, like Zai Zao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Zai Zao San |
Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Zai Zao San |
Severe chills can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for severe chills, like Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang.
Severe chills can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Gypsum (Shi Gao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for severe chills, like Shi Gao Tang.