Cold Sensation In Legs And Backaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Back Thermal Sensations, Cold Sensations in Lower Body, Legs disorders and Symptoms
Sub-symptom(s): Back Cold Sensation Lower Back Coldness
What is Cold Sensation in Legs and Back?
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.
How Does TCM View Cold Sensation in Legs and Back?
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.
Root Causes of Cold Sensation In Legs And Back in TCM
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.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yang Deficiency
- Dampness
- Cold
- View More Causes
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 Cold Sensation In Legs And Back
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, Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more | Li Zhong Wan | Huan Shao Dan |
| 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 | Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ji Chuan Jian | Yu Lin Zhu |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Cold Sensation In Legs And Back
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.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yang Deficiency
- Dampness
- Cold
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Wu Ling San
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause cold sensation in legs and back, such as Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Cold Sensation In Legs And Back Caused by Yang Deficiency
| Formula | 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 |
| Huan Shao Dan | 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 |
| Jin Gui 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 |
| Yu Lin Zhu | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Acupoints for Cold Sensation In Legs And Back
Explore below some acupoints used to address cold sensation in legs and back, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
- Directing Vessel
- Governing Vessel
Shenshu BL-23
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).
Shangliao BL-31
In the 1st posterior sacral foramen, about midway between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the midline.
