What does cold hands and feet mean?

Apr 18, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. He Haochen

Introduction

Cold hands and feet usually refers to a sensation of coldness in the upper limbs from the fingers to the elbows, and in the lower limbs from the toes to the knees. This condition may persist even when one is wearing thick clothing or in a warm environment, resulting in persistently cool or cold extremities. There are various causes; common ones include yang deficiency with kidney cold, blood stagnation due to cold, and internal obstruction by phlegm-turbidity. Less common factors include parasitic disturbance affecting the gallbladder and extreme heat (heat excess).

Chilly hands and feet usually refers to coldness in the upper limbs from the fingers to the elbows, and in the lower limbs from the toes to the knees.

Coldness or chilliness in the four limbs is typically due to depleted yang energy and rising internal cold. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this condition is generally termed "cold extremities." The cold sensation is often widespread, commonly affecting areas below the elbows and below the knees. Even when wearing thick clothing or being in a warm environment, the hands and feet may still feel persistently cold. There are various causes; common ones include kidney yang deficiency with internal cold, blood stagnation due to cold, and phlegm-damp obstruction. Less common factors may include parasitic disturbance affecting the gallbladder or extreme heat.

It's advisable to promptly visit the TCM department of a hospital for professional diagnosis and treatment based on individual patterns, which can help alleviate symptoms and discomfort.

What does cold hands and feet mean?

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