Cold sensation according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Cold sensation can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like cold sensation here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here cold sensation is often associated with impotence, lower back pain and cold and weak knees in the pattern “Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of cold sensation we’ve identified that a herbal formula called Li Zhong Wan can help treat the patterns behind the symptom.
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause cold sensation
In Chinese Medicine cold sensation is a symptom for the pattern "Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
The Spleen is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Spleen in Chinese Medicine
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Deep (Chen), Weak (Ruo)
In addition to cold sensation, other symptoms associated with Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency include impotence, lower back pain and cold and weak knees.
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency is often treated with Li Zhong Wan, a herbal formula made of 4 herbs (including Dried Ginger - Gan Jiang - as a key herb). Li Zhong Wan belongs to the category of "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Warms the Middle Burner".
A herbal formula that might help with cold sensation
Li Zhong Wan
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Warms the Middle Burner. Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach.
Why might Li Zhong Wan help with cold sensation?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency' of which sensation of cold in the back is a symptom.
Acupuncture points used for cold sensation
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat cold sensation
Why might Yam (Shan Yao) help with cold sensation?
Because Yam is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat cold sensation as a symptom, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan or Tu Si Zi Wan for instance.
Yam is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Kidney, the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach. Tonifies the Lung Qi and nourishes the Lung Yin. Nourishes the Kidneys and consolidates Jing.
Why might Cuscuta Seed (Tu Si Zi) help with cold sensation?
Because Cuscuta Seed is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat cold sensation as a symptom, like Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan or Tu Si Zi Wan for instance.
Cuscuta Seeds is a Warm herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Kidney, the Liver and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies Kidney Yang and Essence. Nourishes the Liver.
Why might Cornelian Cherry (Shan Zhu Yu) help with cold sensation?
Because Cornelian Cherry is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat cold sensation as a symptom, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan or Shen Qi Wan for instance.
Cornelian Cherries is a Warm herb that tastes Sour. It targets the Kidney and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Preserves and tonifies the Kidney, Liver and Essence. Stops sweating and benefits the Yang and Qi. Assists menstruation and stops bleeding.
Why might Schisandra Berry (Wu Wei Zi) help with cold sensation?
Because Schisandra Berry is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat cold sensation as a symptom, like Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan or Tu Si Zi Wan for instance.
Schisandra Berries is a Warm herb that tastes Sour and Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Kidney and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Kidneys and preserves the Essence. Astringes the Lung Qi and stops coughing. Retains Bodily Fluids and encourages their production. Tonifies the Heart and calms the spirit (Shen).
Why might Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi) help with cold sensation?
Because Cinnamon Twig is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat cold sensation as a symptom, like Shen Qi Wan or Ba Wei Di Huang Wan for instance.
Cinnamon Twigs is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent and Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Adjusts the nutritive Ying and defensive Wei Qi. Relieves the Exterior through sweating. Warms and disperses Cold. Removes obstruction of Yang. Promotes the circulation of Yang Qi in the chest. Regulates and moves blood.
Other symptoms often associated with cold sensation
Impotence Lower back pain Spermatorrhea Frigidity Infertility Thinness Fatigue Cold intolerance Dizziness Tinnitus