Cold Sensation In Lower Abdomenaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Abdominal Thermal Sensations, Cold Sensations and Intolerance
Parent symptom: Abdominal Cold Sensation
What is cold sensation in lower abdomen?
A cold sensation in the lower abdomen is a symptom that individuals might experience as a chilling feeling localized in the lower stomach area. This sensation can be discomforting and is often indicative of an underlying imbalance or condition. In medical terms, this symptom could be linked to various causes ranging from simple exposure to cold environments, certain health conditions affecting the gastrointestinal or reproductive systems, to more complex systemic issues. It's crucial to understand this symptom within the broader context of the individual's health to address it effectively.
How does TCM view cold sensation in lower abdomen?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets the cold sensation in the lower abdomen differently from Western medicine. TCM suggests that this sensation is not just a localized discomfort but a sign of deeper imbalances within the body's energetic systems.
According to TCM, symptoms like these are manifestations of disharmony among the body's Qi (energy), Yin and Yang, and blood flow. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom is vital in TCM, as treatment is tailored to correct these imbalances rather than just alleviating symptoms.
Root Causes of Cold Sensation In Lower Abdomen in TCM
In TCM, the cold sensation in the lower abdomen could be attributed to several underlying patterns of disharmony, with each cause requiring a specific approach to treatment. For example, a common cause is the presence of Full Cold in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels, which is characterized by symptoms such as menstrual cramps, late menstruation, and infertility, alongside the titular cold sensation.
Another notable pattern is Dampness and Phlegm in the Uterus, which includes symptoms like irregular periods and vaginal discharges. These examples highlight TCM's nuanced understanding that multiple, varied patterns can underlie a single symptom, emphasizing the importance of individualized diagnosis and treatment.
Explore below more details about what might cause Cold sensation in lower abdomen according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Cold
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 Sensation In Lower Abdomen
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Full Cold in the Directing and Penetraing Vessels | Cold in the lower abdomen, Menstrual cramps, Cold sensation in lower abdomen, Infertility, Late menstruation, Dark menstrual clots, Postpartum abdominal pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Uterine hypoplasia, Endometrial hyperplasia, Endometriosis... see more | Wen Jing Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Cold Sensation In Lower Abdomen
For treating cold sensation in the lower abdomen, TCM relies on a rich pharmacopeia of herbal formulas and individual herbs, with the choice of treatment depending on the diagnosed pattern of disharmony. The formula Wen Jing Tang, which includes key herbs such as Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi), is commonly recommended.
This formula is part of the Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation category, suitable for conditions like Full Cold in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels and Dampness and Phlegm in the Uterus. It illustrates TCM's targeted approach, aiming to warm the interior and dispel cold, invigorate blood, and resolve dampness according to the specific needs of the patient.
See more details below about Wen Jing Tang, a herbal formula used to address cold sensation in lower abdomen.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Cold
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
Top Formula for Cold:
Wen Jing Tang
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause cold sensation in lower abdomen, such as Full Cold in the Directing and Penetraing Vessels
Learn moreFormulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some cold sensation in lower abdomen-causing patterns like Full Cold in the Directing and Penetraing Vessels or Dampness and Phlegm in the Uterus.
One such formula is Wen Jing Tang, with cinnamon twigs as a key herb.
Acupoints for Cold Sensation In Lower Abdomen
TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a method to treat symptoms like cold sensation in the lower abdomen, focusing on specific acupoints to restore balance and harmony within the body. Acupoints such as Daheng SP-15 on the Spleen Channel, which strengthens the Spleen, and Guanyuan REN-4 on the Directing Vessel, which nourishes blood and Yin while strengthening the Kidneys, are key locations targeted for this symptom.
Another significant point is Shousanli LI-10 on the Large Intestine Channel, known for its ability to regulate the intestines and tonify Qi. These acupoints are selected based on their known effects on the body's Qi, blood, yin, and yang, showcasing TCM's holistic approach to treating symptoms by addressing their root causes.
Explore below some acupoints used to address cold sensation in lower abdomen, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Spleen Channel
- Directing Vessel
- Large Intestine Channel
Shousanli LI-10
When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 2 cun distal to Quchi LI-11 of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.