Cold Belly Buttonaccording to TCM

What is Cold Belly Button?

A cold belly button, or a chilly sensation around the navel, is a specific symptom that might seem peculiar in the context of conventional medicine but is quite meaningful in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This symptom refers to a noticeable, uncomfortable coldness centered at the belly button or umbilicus, which is often indicative of deeper imbalances within the body. While the sensation itself is localized, the implications might span the entire body, reflecting disturbances in internal energy flows or organ functions.

How does TCM View Cold Belly Button?

Traditional Chinese Medicine perceives the cold belly button not just as a localized discomfort but as a signifier of broader disharmony within the body. TCM theory suggests that this symptom could result from an imbalance in the body’s Qi, or vital energy, particularly in the pathways that pass through the abdomen.

The presence of a cold sensation at the belly button points towards Deficiencies or blockages in these pathways, necessitating a holistic approach to diagnose and address the root causes. In TCM, identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing this symptom is vital for effective treatment, reflecting the system’s emphasis on individualized care and balance.

Acupoints for Cold Belly Button

In addressing a cold belly button, TCM focuses on restoring balance and warmth through targeted stimulation of specific acupoints. One such acupoint, Zhongting REN-16, located at the center of the chest at the level of the 5th intercostal space, plays a crucial role in this process. Its strategic position on the body allows it to directly influence the flow of Qi in the areas most affected by the sensation of coldness around the navel.

By opening the chest and regulating the descent of Stomach Qi, stimulating Zhongting REN-16 can alleviate the symptom and contribute to a broader harmonization of the body’s energies. This approach underscores TCM’s comprehensive strategy, aiming not just to relieve a symptom but to rectify the underlying imbalances that give rise to it.

See more details below about Zhongting REN-16, an acupoint used to address cold belly button.

Zhongting REN-16

On the midline of the chest, on the level of the 5th intercostal space. On the sternocostal angle, where the two lower borders of the ribcage meet.