Chest Coldnessaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Chest Discomfort & Sensations
What is Chest Coldness?
Chest coldness refers to a subjective sensation of cold in the chest area. It is a symptom often described by individuals experiencing it as a chilling feeling within the thoracic cavity that does not typically correspond with external temperatures. This sensation can be associated with various respiratory and cardiovascular conditions in Western medicine but is also frequently reported as a standalone symptom that can significantly impact comfort and well-being.
How does TCM view Chest Coldness?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chest coldness is often interpreted as more than a mere physical symptom; it is seen as a manifestation of deeper imbalances within the body's energy systems. According to TCM, such a sensation typically arises from disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) or the presence of pathogenic cold invading the chest. The discipline emphasizes the need to diagnose the underlying disharmony—be it from Cold accumulation, Phlegm congestion, or Qi stagnation—to effectively target the root cause and restore the body's natural balance.
Root Causes of Chest Coldness in TCM
TCM attributes chest coldness primarily to conditions such as Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, where the accumulation of Cold and Dampness in the Lung region manifests as a palpable chill felt in the chest, coupled with symptoms like coughing, production of white and watery sputum, and a general feeling of heaviness and oppression in the chest.
The presence of such symptoms requires careful evaluation to discern the specific pattern of imbalance, whether it involves an Excess of cold energies or an underlying Deficiency that allows Cold to penetrate and settle in the chest area. Addressing these factors holistically is key to alleviating the symptom and promoting long-term health.
Explore below more details about what might cause Chest coldness according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Phlegm
- Cold
- Lung
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 Chest Coldness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs | Feeling of cold in chest, Coughing, White and watery sputum, Chills, Cold hands, 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 |
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 Chest Coldness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs | Feeling of cold in chest, Coughing, White and watery sputum, Chills, Cold hands, 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 |
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 Chest Coldness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs | Feeling of cold in chest, Coughing, White and watery sputum, Chills, Cold hands, 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 |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chest Coldness
To counteract chest coldness, particularly when stemming from Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, TCM recommends several therapeutic strategies focusing on warming the interior and transforming Phlegm-Cold. Effective formulas include Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, which utilizes Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) to drain Dampness effectively, and Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang, which incorporates Dried ginger (Gan Jiang) to warm the Interior and expel Cold. These formulas are designed to heat the core, disperse cold accumulation, transform phlegm, and restore the free flow of Qi through the chest, thereby alleviating the discomfort of chest coldness and associated respiratory symptoms.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chest coldness, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Phlegm
- Cold
- Formulas that warm and transform phlegm-Cold
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause chest coldness, such as Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Chest Coldness 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 |
Top Formula for Cold:
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause chest coldness, such as Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Chest Coldness 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 |
Formulas that warm and transform Phlegm-Cold
These formulas are suitable for some chest coldness-causing patterns like Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs.
One such formula is Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang, with dried ginger as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm and transform phlegm-Cold" recommended for chest coldness
| 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 |
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
These formulas are suitable for some chest coldness-causing patterns like Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs.
One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Chest Coldness
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chest coldness, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
Herbs that drain Dampness
Chest coldness can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chest coldness, like Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Chest coldness can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chest coldness, like Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang.
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Chest coldness can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is White Mustard Seeds (Bai Jie Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chest coldness, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Chest coldness can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chest coldness, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
Chest coldness can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.
One such herb is Radish Seeds (Lai Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chest coldness, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.