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Symptom families: Back Thermal Sensations, Cold Sensations in Lower Body, Legs disorders and Symptoms
Sub-symptom(s): Back Cold Sensation Lower Back Coldness
Cold sensation in legs and back is a symptom often described as a persistent feeling of chilliness or coldness in these areas without an external cold source. This sensation is different from the temporary cold feeling one might experience in a cool environment.
It can be continuous or intermittent, and is not typically relieved by covering up or warming the area. This condition is not just a physical discomfort but can be indicative of deeper imbalances in the body's systems.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets the cold sensation in legs and back as an indication of internal disharmony, specifically related to the balance of Yin and Yang energies in the body.
TCM posits that this symptom arises when the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is Deficient or overwhelmed by excessive Yin, which is cold and passive. This imbalance leads to a lack of warmth and circulation in the affected areas, resulting in the sensation of coldness. TCM aims to diagnose the underlying pattern of disharmony and restore balance through holistic treatment methods.
In TCM, the cold sensation in legs and back is often attributed to patterns of Yang Deficiency. One such pattern is Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing, characterized by symptoms like edema in the lower extremities, lumbar pain, abdominal distention, and a general feeling of coldness. This pattern indicates a deep level of energy depletion where the body’s warming energy is insufficient, leading to fluid accumulation and cold sensations.
Another related cause can be Spleen Yang Deficiency, marked by symptoms such as cold limbs, fatigue, and digestive issues, reflecting a compromised ability to transform and transport body fluids and nutrients.
Explore below more details about what might cause Cold sensation in legs and back according to TCM.
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
Common Symptoms: Chills Lower Back Pain Edema Of The Lower Extremities Lumbar Pain Coughing Asthma Weak And Cold Knees Weak Legs
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing | Cold feeling in the legs and the back, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, White and watery sputum, Coughing, Asthma... see more | Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan |
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency | Sensation of cold in the back, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more | Li Zhong Wan |
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency | Feeling of cold in the lower back, Low grade fever, Severe chills, 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 |
Kidney Yang Deficiency | Sensation of cold in the lower back, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | You Gui Wan | Er Xian Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ji Chuan Jian |
"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 |
---|---|---|
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing | Cold feeling in the legs and the back, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, White and watery sputum, Coughing, Asthma... see more | Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency | Feeling of cold in the lower back, Low grade fever, Severe chills, 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 "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 |
---|---|---|
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency | Feeling of cold in the lower back, Low grade fever, Severe chills, 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 the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Common Symptoms: Chills Edema Of The Lower Extremities Coughing Asthma Lower Back Pain Weak And Cold Knees Weak Legs Bright Pale Face
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing | Cold feeling in the legs and the back, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, White and watery sputum, Coughing, Asthma... see more | Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan |
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency | Sensation of cold in the back, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more | Li Zhong Wan |
Kidney Yang Deficiency | Sensation of cold in the lower back, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | You Gui Wan | Er Xian Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ji Chuan Jian |
In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency | Sensation of cold in the back, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more | Li Zhong Wan |
To address cold sensation in legs and back, TCM practitioners often recommend specific formulas and herbs tailored to the underlying patterns of disharmony. For Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing, formulas like Wu Ling San, which contains Water plantain (Ze Xie), can be effective. This formula works by promoting urination and leaching out dampness, thus alleviating edema and cold sensations.
In cases where deeper warming is required, Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan, featuring Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), is used. This formula specifically targets the warming of Yang and tonifying the body's internal energy to combat the cold sensation. The choice of formula and herbs depends on the individual's specific pattern of imbalance as diagnosed by a TCM practitioner.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address cold sensation in legs and back, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause cold sensation in legs and back, such as Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Wu Ling San | Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
Li Zhong Wan | Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency |
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency |
Zai Zao San | Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency |
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
You Gui Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Er Xian Tang | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Shen Qi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Ji Chuan Jian | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause cold sensation in legs and back, such as Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Wu Ling San | Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause cold sensation in legs and back, 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 Wind patterns that may cause cold sensation in legs and back, 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 |
These formulas are suitable for some cold sensation in legs and back-causing patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing.
One such formula is Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
You Gui Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Shen Qi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some cold sensation in legs and back-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 cold sensation in legs and back-causing patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing.
One such formula is Wu Ling San, with water plantain as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some cold sensation in legs and back-causing patterns like Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is Li Zhong Wan, with dried ginger as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some cold sensation in legs and back-causing patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some cold sensation in legs and back-causing patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is Er Xian Tang, with curculigo rhizome as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some cold sensation in legs and back-causing patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is Ji Chuan Jian, with desert-living cistanche as a key herb.
Explore below some acupoints used to address cold sensation in legs and back, organized by meridian.
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).
In the 1st posterior sacral foramen, about midway between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the midline.
On the midline of the abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus.
On the lower back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).