What causes cold hands and feet in men?
Sep 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
In general, cold hands and feet in men may be related to unhealthy lifestyle habits, spleen and stomach weakness, insufficient qi and blood, yang deficiency, or liver qi stagnation. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, this condition may also be associated with blood and qi stagnation or adrenal cortical insufficiency. If patients experience any discomfort, they should seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.
In general, cold hands and feet in men may be related to poor lifestyle habits, spleen and stomach deficiency, insufficient qi and blood, yang deficiency, or liver qi stagnation. Patients are advised to seek medical treatment according to their specific condition as directed by a healthcare provider. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Poor Lifestyle Habits
If individuals remain in cold environments for prolonged periods and fail to keep themselves warm, it may impair blood circulation, leading to cold hands and feet. It is recommended that patients maintain adequate warmth by dressing appropriately and may improve symptoms through local heat application.
2. Spleen and Stomach Deficiency
Spleen and stomach deficiency may result from irregular diet, excessive fatigue, or long-term illness depleting the spleen's function. Symptoms include cold limbs, sallow complexion, diarrhea, and loose stools. Patients may take Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan (Ginseng Spleen-Strengthening Pills), Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Dichroa and Atractylodes Powder), or similar medications as prescribed by a physician.
3. Insufficient Qi and Blood
Qi and blood deficiency may arise from constitutional weakness, poor dietary habits, or significant emotional fluctuations. Symptoms include sensitivity to cold, cold extremities, spontaneous sweating, dizziness, tinnitus, and fatigue. Under medical guidance, patients may take Ba Zhen Ke Li (Eight-Treasure Granules), Ren Shen Yang Rong Wan (Ginseng Nourishing-Rong Pills), or similar remedies.
4. Yang Deficiency
Yang deficiency results from insufficient yang energy in the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, yang energy provides warmth and thermal regulation. When yang is deficient, limbs and torso lose this warming effect, resulting in coldness. Common symptoms include aversion to cold and persistently cold limbs. Male patients may also experience erectile dysfunction or nocturnal emissions. Under a doctor’s supervision, treatments such as You Gui Wan (Right Restoring Pills) or Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan (Jin Kui Kidney Qi Pills) may be used.
5. Liver Qi Stagnation
Cold hands and feet accompanied by rib-side distension and pain, low mood, or depression are often associated with liver qi stagnation. Patients may be treated under medical guidance with Dan Zhi Xiao Yao Wan (Dan栀Xiao Yao Pills) or Jia Wei Zuo Jin Wan (Augmented Left Gold Pills).
In addition, cold extremities may also be linked to blood and qi stagnation, adrenal cortical insufficiency, or other factors. If symptoms occur, patients should promptly visit a hospital for evaluation and treatment to avoid delays in care.
