People with cold body constitution are afraid of cold or heat?

Sep 01, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
If an individual with a cold body constitution also presents with deficiency of both Yin and Yang, they may experience mild heat intolerance in addition to cold sensitivity. For example, they may become irritable in hot and humid environments; however, this heat intolerance is much milder compared to that observed in individuals with a pure internal heat constitution. Additionally, long-term and excessive consumption of warming foods or improper use of warming tonics may temporarily cause symptoms such as dry mouth or mild internal heat, which resemble heat intolerance, but these are not typical characteristics of a cold body constitution.

Generally, people with cold body constitution are mainly sensitive to cold, feel comfortable in warm environments, and tend to feel unwell in cold environments or when exposed to cold objects. If abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

The core issue of cold body constitution is insufficient yang energy, which fails to adequately warm the body, making individuals particularly sensitive to cold stimuli. In low-temperature environments such as air-conditioned rooms or during cold outdoor seasons, they tend to feel colder than others and may need to wear additional clothing for relief. Their hands and feet are often cold and difficult to warm up.

If individuals with cold body constitution also suffer from deficiency of both yin and yang, they may experience mild heat sensitivity in addition to cold intolerance. For example, they might easily become irritable in hot and humid environments; however, this heat sensitivity is significantly milder compared to those with purely internal heat constitution. Additionally, long-term excessive consumption of hot-natured foods or improper warming tonics may temporarily cause symptoms such as dry mouth or mild internal heat-like reactions, but these are not typical characteristics of cold body constitution.

Judging body constitution should consider overall manifestations, avoiding conclusions based solely on one symptom. If cold intolerance is unusually severe or accompanied by other complex discomforts, professional consultation for pattern identification and regulation is recommended. Avoid blindly taking warming tonics or consuming cold foods excessively to prevent aggravating bodily imbalances.