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General Cold Feelingaccording to TCM

Causes Icon 3 causes Herbal Formulas Icon 6 herbal formulas Herbs Icon 9 herbs

Symptom family: Cold Sensations and Intolerance

Did you mean? Aversion To Cold Chills

What is General Cold Feeling?

General cold feeling, often referred to as an overall sensation of coldness, is a common symptom where an individual feels persistently cold regardless of the external temperature. This can manifest as a constant need to seek warmth or prefer warmer environments. This sensation is not just a fleeting feeling of cold but a persistent condition that affects daily comfort and well-being. It is essential to understand the underlying causes, as this symptom can be linked to various health issues.

How Does TCM View General Cold Feeling?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a general cold feeling is seen as an imbalance in the body's internal energies. TCM practitioners believe this sensation arises from disharmonies within the body, such as Deficiencies or obstructions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood. Unlike Western medicine, which might attribute this symptom to poor circulation or anemia, TCM emphasizes the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony to tailor an effective treatment plan.

Root Causes of General Cold Feeling in TCM

One common cause of a general cold feeling in TCM is Yang Deficiency. This pattern includes symptoms like a strong desire for warmth, chills, pale urine, undigested food in stools, and general weakness. Individuals with Yang Deficiency might also experience abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth, frequent urination, and a preference for warm environments. Herbal formulas such as Ba Wei Di Huang Wan and You Gui Wan are often recommended to nourish and tonify the body's Yang energy, helping to alleviate these symptoms.

Another cause is Wind-Cold invading the body, particularly when accompanied by Yang Deficiency. This condition is characterized by severe chills, low-grade fever, exhaustion, cold extremities, and lumbar pain. The person may also feel hypersomnia and coldness in the lower back. In such cases, formulas like Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang and Zai Zao San are used. These formulas help to release the exterior and warm the interior, addressing both the external invasion and internal deficiency.

Explore below more details about what might cause General cold feeling according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Cold
  • Wind
  • Liver
  • Kidney
Detailed description of the cause

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 General Cold Feeling

Common Symptoms: Aversion To Cold Cold Extremities Lower Back And Leg Pain And Heaviness Weakness And Stiffness Palpitations Shortness Of Breath Chronic Lower Back Pain Sciatica

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang Desire warmth, Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth, Frequent urination, Polyuria, Nocturia, White vaginal discharge... see more Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | You Gui Wan | Ban Liu Wan
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency General cold feeling, Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice... see more Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Zai Zao San
Painful Obstruction with Liver and Kidney Deficiency Attraction to warmth, Lower back and leg pain and heaviness, Weakness and stiffness, Aversion to cold, General cold feeling, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Chronic lower back pain, Sciatica, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis... see more Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 General Cold Feeling

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency General cold feeling, Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice... see more Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Zai Zao San
Detailed description of the cause

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 General Cold Feeling

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency General cold feeling, Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice... see more Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Zai Zao San
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to General Cold Feeling

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Painful Obstruction with Liver and Kidney Deficiency Attraction to warmth, Lower back and leg pain and heaviness, Weakness and stiffness, Aversion to cold, General cold feeling, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Chronic lower back pain, Sciatica, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis... see more Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 General Cold Feeling

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Painful Obstruction with Liver and Kidney Deficiency Attraction to warmth, Lower back and leg pain and heaviness, Weakness and stiffness, Aversion to cold, General cold feeling, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Chronic lower back pain, Sciatica, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis... see more Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for General Cold Feeling

For treating a general cold feeling, TCM prescribes specific herbal formulas based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For Yang Deficiency, Ba Wei Di Huang Wan and You Gui Wan are frequently used. Ba Wei Di Huang Wan includes Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang), which helps to tonify blood and nourish Yin, while You Gui Wan, with Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), focuses on warming the Interior and strengthening the Yang.

When dealing with Wind-Cold invasion accompanied by Yang Deficiency, Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang and Zai Zao San are effective. Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang contains Ephedra (Ma Huang), which is known for its ability to release the Exterior and warm the Interior, helping to expel Cold pathogens. Zai Zao San, on the other hand, includes Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), which is excellent for tonifying Qi and boosting the body's Defensive energy.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Cold
  • Wind
  • Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
  • Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify
  • Formulas that warm and purge
View More Types

Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang

Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause general cold feeling, such as Painful Obstruction with Liver and Kidney Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for General Cold Feeling Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang Painful Obstruction with Liver and Kidney Deficiency
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
You Gui Wan Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
Ban Liu Wan Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
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 Cold:
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang

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

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for General Cold Feeling 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 general cold feeling, such as Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for General Cold Feeling 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

Formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency

These formulas are suitable for some general cold feeling-causing patterns like Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency.

One such formula is Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency" recommended for general cold feeling

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Zai Zao San Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp

These formulas are suitable for some general cold feeling-causing patterns like Painful Obstruction with Liver and Kidney Deficiency.

One such formula is Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, with pubescent angelica root as a key herb.

Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

These formulas are suitable for some general cold feeling-causing patterns like Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang.

One such formula is Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.

Formulas that warm Yang and tonify

These formulas are suitable for some general cold feeling-causing patterns like Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang.

One such formula is You Gui Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.

Formulas that warm and purge

These formulas are suitable for some general cold feeling-causing patterns like Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang.

One such formula is Ban Liu Wan, with sulfur as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for General Cold Feeling

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address general cold feeling, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
  • Herbs for external application
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
View More Categories

Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold

General cold feeling can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.

One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for general cold feeling, like You Gui Wan.

Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.

"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for general cold feeling

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) You Gui Wan
Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) You Gui Wan

Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency

General cold feeling can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.

One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for general cold feeling, like Zai Zao San.

Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for general cold feeling

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) Zai Zao San
Ginseng (Ren Shen) Zai Zao San

Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness

General cold feeling can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.

One such herb is Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for general cold feeling, like Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang.

Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency

General cold feeling can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.

One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for general cold feeling, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan.

Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency

General cold feeling can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.

One such herb is Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for general cold feeling, like You Gui Wan.

Herbs for external application

General cold feeling can be treated by these herbs when the condition is external or superficial, requiring topical treatment to alleviate symptoms or heal the affected area.

One such herb is Sulfur (Liu Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for general cold feeling, like Ban Liu Wan.

Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

General cold feeling 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 Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for general cold feeling, like Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang.