Severe Chillsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Cold Sensations and Intolerance
Parent symptom: Chills
What is Severe Chills?
Severe chills are an intense sensation of coldness often accompanied by shivering and an overwhelming need to seek warmth. Unlike mild chills, severe chills can be debilitating and are usually a symptom of an underlying health issue. They are characterized by strong shivering, a pervasive feeling of cold, and sometimes a lack of sweating. Severe chills can manifest in various forms, including those accompanied by high fever, warm skin, or without sweating, and understanding their root causes is essential for effective treatment.
How Does TCM View Severe Chills?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), severe chills are seen as a sign of internal disharmony. TCM practitioners believe that these chills can result from various imbalances, such as Deficiencies or Stagnation in the body's Qi and Blood flow. Unlike Western medicine, which might focus on physiological causes like infections, TCM emphasizes identifying the specific pattern of disharmony to tailor an effective treatment plan. This holistic approach ensures that the treatment addresses the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
Root Causes of Severe Chills in TCM
One common cause of severe chills in TCM is Cold Evil, particularly when it invades the body and combines with Yang Deficiency. This pattern is characterized by severe chills, low-grade fever, exhaustion, hypersomnia, cold extremities, lumbar pain, and a general cold feeling.
Another cause is Wind-Cold combined with Internal Heat. This pattern presents with strong chills, high fever, lack of sweating, headaches, a feeling of heaviness, general tightness, flushed face, and eye hyperemia. Understanding these patterns allows TCM practitioners to diagnose and treat severe chills effectively, addressing the root causes rather than just the symptoms.
Explore below more details about what might cause Severe chills according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Cold
- Wind
- Yang Deficiency
- Heat
- View More Causes
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 Severe Chills
Common Symptoms: Lack Of Sweating Headaches Low Grade Fever Exhaustion Hypersomnia Cold Extremities Lumbar Pain Lower Back Pain
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency | Severe chills, Low grade fever, 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 Cold with Internal Heat | Strong chills, High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin... see more | Shi Gao Tang |
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 Severe Chills
Common Symptoms: Lack Of Sweating Headaches Low Grade Fever Exhaustion Hypersomnia Cold Extremities Lumbar Pain Lower Back Pain
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency | Severe chills, Low grade fever, 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 Cold with Internal Heat | Strong chills, High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin... see more | Shi Gao Tang |
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 Severe Chills
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency | Severe chills, Low grade fever, 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 |
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 Severe Chills
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Cold with Internal Heat | Strong chills, High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Thirst, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin... see more | Shi Gao Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Severe Chills
For Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency, formulas like Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang are recommended, leveraging Ephedra to release the Exterior and dispel Wind-Cold. Zai Zao San, containing Milkvetch Roots, is also prescribed to tonify Qi Deficiency and clear Exterior disorders.
For Wind-Cold with Internal Heat, Shi Gao Tang is the suggested formula. This includes Gypsum, which helps to release the Exterior and clear internal Deat effectively. These formulas address the root cause of the symptom, providing relief and restoring balance in the body. TCM emphasizes treating the underlying pattern rather than just the surface symptoms, ensuring a holistic and long-term solution.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address severe chills, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Cold
- Wind
- Yang Deficiency
- Heat
- View More Causes
- Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
Top Formula for Cold:
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause severe chills, such as Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Severe Chills 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 |
| Shi Gao Tang | Wind Cold with Internal Heat |
Top Formula for Wind:
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause severe chills, such as Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Severe Chills 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 |
| Shi Gao Tang | Wind Cold with Internal Heat |
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause severe chills, such as Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Severe Chills Caused by Yang Deficiency
| 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 Heat:
Shi Gao Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause severe chills, such as Wind Cold with Internal Heat
Learn moreFormulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency
These formulas are suitable for some severe chills-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 severe chills
| 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 Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
These formulas are suitable for some severe chills-causing patterns like Wind Cold with Internal Heat.
One such formula is Shi Gao Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Severe Chills
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address severe chills, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Severe chills 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 severe chills, like Zai Zao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for severe chills
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Zai Zao San |
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Zai Zao San |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Severe chills 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 severe chills, like Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Severe chills can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Gypsum (Shi Gao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for severe chills, like Shi Gao Tang.