Back Cold Sensationaccording to TCM

What is Back Cold Sensation?

Back cold sensation is a symptom characterized by a feeling of chilliness or coldness specifically in the back area. This condition differs from general cold sensations as it is localized and can be felt internally, without any external cold source.

Patients often describe it as if the back is exposed to a cold environment, sometimes accompanied by stiffness or discomfort. This symptom is an indication of a deeper imbalance within the body rather than just an external reaction to a cold environment.

How Does TCM View Back Cold Sensation?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), back cold sensation is viewed as a manifestation of an imbalance in the body's Qi, or vital energy. TCM practitioners see this condition as a result of Deficiencies or disruptions in the body's energy pathways, often linked to Yang Deficiency.

In TCM, the body's warm, active energy is essential for maintaining internal balance. When this energy is insufficient, symptoms like back cold sensation can arise. TCM treatment focuses on correcting these imbalances through a holistic approach that considers the individual’s overall health and lifestyle.

Root Causes of Back Cold Sensation in TCM

TCM identifies various patterns that may lead to back cold sensation. One common cause is Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency. This Deficiency can lead to symptoms like a sensation of cold in the back, weak legs, and a pale face. The coldness is attributed to the body's inability to produce and maintain sufficient warm energy.

Another cause is Kidney Yang Deficiency, characterized by symptoms such as lower back coldness, dizziness, weak knees, and general fatigue. This suggests a deeper level of energy depletion, where the body's fundamental warm and active principle is weakened.

Explore below more details about what might cause Back cold sensation 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 Back Cold Sensation

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Weak And Cold Knees Chills Weak Legs Bright Pale Face Erectile Dysfunction Premature Ejaculation Oligospermia

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 | 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

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 Back Cold Sensation

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 Back Cold Sensation

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 Back Cold Sensation

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Weak And Cold Knees Chills Weak Legs Bright Pale Face Erectile Dysfunction Premature Ejaculation Oligospermia

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 | Huan Shao Dan
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

Spleen

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

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Back Cold Sensation

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 | Huan Shao Dan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Back Cold Sensation

To treat back cold sensation, TCM practitioners often recommend specific formulas and herbs tailored to the underlying Deficiencies. For instance, Li Zhong Wan, which includes Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), is used to warm the middle and dispel Cold, particularly effective in cases of Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency.

For more profound Kidney Yang Deficiency, Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, featuring Prepared rehmannia (Shu Di huang), is chosen. This formula helps nourish Yin and tonify the body, addressing deep-seated coldness.

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

Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Li Zhong Wan

Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause back cold sensation, such as Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Back Cold Sensation Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
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

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

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

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Back Cold Sensation 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 back cold sensation, such as Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Back Cold Sensation 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 Back Cold Sensation

In TCM acupuncture, certain acupoints are targeted to alleviate back cold sensation. Shenshu BL-23, located near the lower back, is known for its ability to tonify Kidney Yang and nourish Kidney Yin, making it a crucial point for treating back coldness related to Kidney Deficiency.

Guanyuan REN-4, positioned on the abdomen, is effective in nourishing Blood and Yin and strengthening the Kidneys. Mingmen DU-4, located on the lower back, is vital for tonifying Kidney Yang and warming the body's core. By stimulating these acupoints, TCM aims to restore the balance of Yin and Yang in the body, directly addressing the cause of the back cold sensation.

Explore below some acupoints used to address back cold sensation, organized by meridian.

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.

Guanyuan REN-4

On the midline of the abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus.

Mingmen DU-4

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