Is body coldness due to Yin deficiency or Yang deficiency?

Sep 01, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
The main issue of Yin deficiency is the insufficiency of body fluids (Yin), which fails to restrain Yang energy, leading easily to symptoms of deficient heat, such as warm palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, tidal fever, and night sweats—manifestations that are exactly opposite to those of cold syndromes. However, in a few cases, deficiency of both Yin and Yang may occur simultaneously, presenting cold intolerance caused by Yang deficiency together with the symptoms of deficient heat from Yin deficiency. A comprehensive assessment based on overall symptoms is necessary, as it cannot be simply categorized as one or the other.

Generally speaking, body coldness is often associated with yang deficiency rather than yin deficiency. If you have any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

The core issue of body coldness is insufficient yang energy in the body, which fails to adequately warm the internal organs and skin, leading to typical symptoms such as cold intolerance, cold hands and feet, and loose stools. When yang deficiency occurs, the warming and propelling functions of yang energy weaken, leaving the body in a cold state. This condition aligns closely with the symptoms of body coldness. Common conditions such as kidney yang deficiency or spleen yang weakness may trigger or exacerbate body coldness.

The main issue in yin deficiency is a lack of body fluids, which makes it difficult to regulate yang energy, often resulting in symptoms of internal heat such as hot palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, night sweats, and潮hot flushes. These manifestations are exactly opposite to the cold symptoms seen in body coldness. However, in a few cases, deficiency of both yin and yang may occur, presenting with both cold intolerance caused by yang deficiency and heat symptoms caused by yin deficiency. A comprehensive evaluation based on overall symptoms is necessary.

Determining body constitution should involve multiple symptoms, and conclusions should not be drawn based on a single manifestation alone. If symptoms of body coldness are significant or accompanied by complex discomforts, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and regulation.