Mild Chillsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Cold Sensations and Intolerance
Parent symptom: Chills
Sub-symptom(s): Mild Chills With High Fever
What is Mild Chills?
Mild chills, also known as mild chilly sensation, mild shivering, slight chills, or slight cold shudders, refer to a feeling of coldness that is less intense than severe chills. This sensation can occur even in a warm environment and may be accompanied by slight shivering or a general feeling of cold. Mild chills can be a symptom of various conditions, including infections, immune responses, or exposure to cold weather. They are a particular form of chills and can sometimes be experienced alongside other symptoms like fever.
How Does TCM View Mild Chills?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mild chills are viewed as a manifestation of internal disharmony, often related to the body's inability to properly balance and regulate its temperature. Unlike Western medicine, which might attribute chills to infections or external factors, TCM sees them as a result of disrupted Qi, Blood, or Yin and Yang balances. Identifying the correct pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective treatment, as the underlying causes can vary widely.
Root Causes of Mild Chills in TCM
Mild chills can be attributed to various patterns of disharmony in TCM. One common cause is Wind-Heat invading the Lungs, which is characterized by slight chills, aversion to cold, fever, coughing, sore throat, congested nose, nasal discharge, and sneezing. This pattern occurs when external pathogens penetrate the body's defenses, leading to symptoms typically associated with respiratory infections.
Another possible cause is Wind-Cold invading with Blood and Yin Deficiency, presenting symptoms such as slight chills, headaches, fever, and a lack of sweating. This pattern often results from a weakened state of the body, allowing cold to penetrate more deeply and disrupt internal balances.
Explore below more details about what might cause Mild chills according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Heat
- Wind
- Lung
- Gallbladder
Heat
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Mild Chills
Common Symptoms: Thirst Aversion To Cold Fever Coughing Sore Throat Congested Nose Nasal Discharge Copious Thick Yellow Sputum
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Wind-Heat invading the Lungs | Slight chills, Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling... see more | Yin Qiao San |
| Heat in Gall Bladder | Mild chills alternating with pronounced fever, Mild chills with high fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Stifling sensation in the chest, Vomiting of sour fluids, Thirst, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Nausea, Upper abdominal fullness, Cholecystitis, Icteric hepatitis... see more | Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang |
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 Mild Chills
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Wind-Heat invading the Lungs | Slight chills, Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling... see more | Yin Qiao San |
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 Mild Chills
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Wind-Heat invading the Lungs | Slight chills, Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling... see more | Yin Qiao San |
Gallbladder
In TCM the Gallbladder has a unique role in storing and excreting bile, but more importantly, it's seen as crucial for decision-making and courage. It's closely connected to the Liver, assisting in the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and supporting the Liver's role in maintaining emotional balance. When the Gallbladder malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to physical symptoms like gallstones, jaundice, or a bitter taste in the mouth. There might also be digestive disturbances, particularly related to fat metabolism. On an emotional level, a Gallbladder disorder can manifest as indecisiveness, timidity, or a tendency to easily succumb to stress. These symptoms highlight the TCM view of the Gallbladder as integral to both physical processes and emotional resilience.... see more
Gallbladder Patterns That Can Lead to Mild Chills
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heat in Gall Bladder | Mild chills alternating with pronounced fever, Mild chills with high fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Stifling sensation in the chest, Vomiting of sour fluids, Thirst, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Nausea, Upper abdominal fullness, Cholecystitis, Icteric hepatitis... see more | Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Mild Chills
Treatment of mild chills in TCM involves using herbal formulas tailored to the specific pattern of disharmony identified. For Wind-Heat invading the Lungs, the formula Yin Qiao San is often recommended. This formula includes Honeysuckle flowers (Jin Yin Hua) as a key herb, known for its ability to clear Heat and relieve toxicity. It helps alleviate symptoms like fever and nasal congestion while addressing the root cause of the Wind-Heat invasion.
For cases of Wind-Cold invading with Blood and Yin Deficiency, Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin is commonly used. This formula features Scallions (Cong Bai) as a key herb, which belongs to the category of Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior. It is effective in dispelling cold and supporting the body's internal balance, helping to reduce chills and other associated symptoms.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address mild chills, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- Wind
- Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
Top Formula for Heat:
Yin Qiao San
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause mild chills, such as Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Mild Chills Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Yin Qiao San | Wind-Heat invading the Lungs |
| Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang | Heat in Gall Bladder |
Top Formula for Wind:
Yin Qiao San
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause mild chills, such as Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Learn moreFormulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency
These formulas are suitable for some mild chills-causing patterns like Wind-Cold invading with Blood and Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin, with scallions as a key herb.
External formulas for External disorders
These formulas are suitable for some mild chills-causing patterns like Wind-Heat invading the Lungs.
One such formula is Yin Qiao San, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
These formulas are suitable for some mild chills-causing patterns like Heat in Gall Bladder.
One such formula is Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang, with sweet wormwood herb as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Mild Chills
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address mild chills, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Mild chills can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mild chills, like Yin Qiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for mild chills
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) | Yin Qiao San |
| Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) | Yin Qiao San |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Mild chills can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Scallions (Cong Bai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mild chills, like Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Mild chills can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Fermented Soybeans (Dan Dou Chi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mild chills, like Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Mild chills can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mild chills, like Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Mild chills can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for mild chills, like Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang.