How to manage body coldness (hypothermia)
Sep 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, body coldness may be caused by congenital insufficiency of yang energy, prolonged exposure to cold, kidney yang deficiency, anemia, hypothyroidism, or other related factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and, under a doctor's guidance, improve the condition through general调理 (regulation), medication, or other treatments. In daily life, intake of raw and cold foods, such as ice cream and cold beverages, should be reduced.
Generally, body coldness may be caused by congenital insufficiency of yang energy, prolonged exposure to cold, kidney yang deficiency, anemia, hypothyroidism, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and improve the condition through general lifestyle adjustments, medication, and other approaches under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Congenital Insufficiency of Yang Energy: Individuals with a naturally cold constitution produce less yang energy and are prone to symptoms such as cold hands and feet and sensitivity to cold. It is important to keep the whole body warm, especially the abdomen and feet; avoid wearing belly-exposing clothes or thin socks. Consuming warming foods such as lamb and ginger regularly, and engaging in moderate exercise like brisk walking or yoga 3–5 times per week can help promote yang energy production.
2. Prolonged Exposure to Cold: Frequently staying in air-conditioned rooms, wearing thin clothing, or coming into contact with cold water may allow cold pathogens to invade the body. Adjust the ambient temperature appropriately, keeping air conditioning no lower than 26°C, and dress according to weather conditions when outdoors. Avoid washing with cold water, and soak feet in warm water around 40°C for 15–20 minutes daily to help expel coldness.
3. Kidney Yang Deficiency: Insufficient kidney yang energy weakens the body's warming function, leading to coldness and soreness and weakness of the waist and knees. Patients may follow medical advice to take herbal medicines such as Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan, Gui Fu Di Huang Wan, or You Gui Wan for regulation. Incorporating kidney-nourishing foods like walnuts and black sesame seeds into the daily diet is also beneficial.
4. Anemia: A reduced number of red blood cells results in poor oxygen delivery and decreased energy production, leading to body coldness. Patients may follow medical advice to take iron supplements such as ferrous succinate tablets, ferrous fumarate capsules, or iron dextran oral solution.
5. Hypothyroidism: Insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones slows metabolism and reduces heat production, causing body coldness. Patients should follow medical instructions to supplement thyroid hormones using medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid extract tablets, or levothyroxine sodium oral solution.
In daily life, consumption of raw and cold foods such as ice cream and cold beverages should be minimized. Maintain regular eating habits and avoid overeating to prevent spleen and stomach damage. Massaging the Yongquan point on the soles of the feet for 5 minutes before bedtime can help improve circulation and enhance body warmth. Consistent long-term practice can help alleviate body coldness.
