Symptom family: Cold Sensations and Intolerance
Parent symptom: Chills
Explore below more details about what might cause Chills without sweating 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: Headaches Swollen And Painful Joints Worsening At Night Joint Stiffness Weight Loss Dizziness Shortness Of Breath Nausea Rheumatoid Arthritis
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp | Chills without sweating, Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Weight loss, Headaches, Dizziness, Shortness of breath, Nausea, Rheumatoid arthritis, Connective tissue disorders, Gouty inflammation... see more | Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang |
Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs | Chills without sweating, Headaches, Congested nose, Dry throat, Sputum, Dry cough, Common cold, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Upper respiratory tract infections... see more | Xing Su San |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp | Chills without sweating, Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Weight loss, Headaches, Dizziness, Shortness of breath, Nausea, Rheumatoid arthritis, Connective tissue disorders, Gouty inflammation... see more | Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang |
"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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp | Chills without sweating, Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Weight loss, Headaches, Dizziness, Shortness of breath, Nausea, Rheumatoid arthritis, Connective tissue disorders, Gouty inflammation... see more | Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang |
"Dryness" in TCM refers to a state where there is a lack of moisture in the body, much like how the land feels during a drought. It's a pattern of disharmony that can arise from external factors like dry weather or internal issues, such as insufficient fluid intake or certain lifestyle habits. When your body experiences this dryness, you might notice symptoms like dry skin, a scratchy throat, dry eyes, or even constipation. It's similar to the feeling of being parched or having dry, chapped lips in a very dry climate. TCM views this as an imbalance where the body's yin - often associated with moisture and cooling - is depleted.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs | Chills without sweating, Headaches, Congested nose, Dry throat, Sputum, Dry cough, Common cold, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Upper respiratory tract infections... see more | Xing Su San |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs | Chills without sweating, Headaches, Congested nose, Dry throat, Sputum, Dry cough, Common cold, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Upper respiratory tract infections... see more | Xing Su San |
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chills without sweating, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause chills without sweating, such as Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang | Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp |
Xing Su San | Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs |
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause chills without sweating, such as Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
Learn moreSuitable for Dampness patterns that may cause chills without sweating, such as Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
Learn moreSuitable for Dryness patterns that may cause chills without sweating, such as Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some chills without sweating-causing patterns like Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp.
One such formula is Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang, with cinnamon twigs as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some chills without sweating-causing patterns like Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs.
One such formula is Xing Su San, with apricot seed as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chills without sweating, organized by herb category.
Chills without sweating 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 Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chills without sweating, like Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang |
Perilla Leaves (Zi Su Ye) | Xing Su San |
Chills without sweating can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chills without sweating, like Xing Su San.