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
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 | Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan |
| 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
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 |
| Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan | Wind-Heat invading the Lungs |
| Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang | Heat in Gall Bladder |
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 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 | Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan |
| Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) | Yin Qiao San |