Lower Back Coldnessaccording to TCM

What is Lower Back Coldness?

Lower back coldness is a condition characterized by a persistent feeling of coldness or chill in the lumbar region. This sensation is not just a response to a cold environment but is often a constant feeling that doesn’t subside with warming measures.

It can be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or discomfort. This symptom reflects more than just a physical sensation; it can indicate deeper imbalances in the body's systems and overall health.

How Does TCM View Lower Back Coldness?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches lower back coldness as a symptom indicating an imbalance within the body, particularly in the flow and balance of Qi and the harmony of Yin and Yang energies.

In TCM, this cold sensation is often seen as a Deficiency of Yang energy or an Excess of Yin. Yang represents warmth and activity, and its Deficiency leads to cold sensations. Understanding and treating this condition in TCM involves identifying the underlying disharmonies and restoring balance through various methods, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle adjustments.

Root Causes of Lower Back Coldness in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that can cause lower back coldness, with Kidney Yang Deficiency being a primary cause. This condition is marked by symptoms such as a sensation of cold in the lower back, dizziness, tinnitus, and weak knees, reflecting a significant depletion in the body's warm, active Yang energy.

Another related cause can be Spleen Yang Deficiency, which may manifest as fatigue, digestive issues, and a feeling of cold in the back. These patterns indicate a deep level of energy depletion, and treatment focuses on replenishing and balancing this energy.

Explore below more details about what might cause Lower back coldness according to TCM.

Yang Deficiency

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

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Lower Back Coldness

Common Symptoms: Cold Extremities Lower Back Pain Low Grade Fever Severe Chills Exhaustion Hypersomnia Lumbar Pain General Cold Feeling

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
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

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 Lower Back Coldness

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

Wind

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

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Lower Back Coldness

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

Kidney

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

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Lower Back Coldness

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
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

TCM Herbal Formulas for Lower Back Coldness

TCM practitioners often recommend specific formulas and herbs to address the underlying patterns causing lower back coldness. For Kidney Yang Deficiency, Ba Wei Di Huang Wan is frequently prescribed. This formula, containing Prepared rehmannia (Shu Di Huang) and other herbs, works to nourish Yin and tonify the body, addressing the root of the cold sensation. The choice of treatment in TCM is always personalized, based on the individual's unique pattern of symptoms and constitution.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address lower back coldness, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang

Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause lower back coldness, such as Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Lower Back Coldness Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula	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
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

Top Formula for Cold:
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang

Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause lower back coldness, such as Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Lower Back Coldness Caused by Cold

Formula	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

Top Formula for Wind:
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause lower back coldness, such as Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Lower Back Coldness Caused by Wind

Formula	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

Acupoints for Lower Back Coldness

In TCM, acupuncture is a key modality for treating lower back coldness. One effective point is Mingmen DU-4, located on the lower back. Stimulating this point helps to tonify Kidney Yang, expel cold, and strengthen the body's vital energies. Acupuncture treatment for lower back coldness would focus on points that warm the interior and strengthen the kidney and spleen energies, thereby alleviating the sensation of cold and restoring balance to the body's systems.

See more details below about Mingmen DU-4, an acupoint used to address lower back coldness.

Mingmen DU-4

On the lower back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).