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
Detailed description of the cause

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
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 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
Detailed description of the cause

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
Detailed description of the cause

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

All 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

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" 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