How to manage cold hands and feet in winter

Mar 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My wife has cold hands and feet during winter, but we don't know how to manage or improve this condition. Doctor, how should cold hands and feet in winter be managed or调理 (regulated/nurtured)?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

For cold hands and feet during winter, the following methods can be used for regulation: enhancing warmth preservation, dietary adjustment, moderate exercise, soaking feet in hot water, and acupuncture or moxibustion therapy.

1. Enhance warmth preservation: Cold external temperatures in winter can easily lead to cold hands and feet. Therefore, it is very important to strengthen warming measures. Wearing warm gloves, socks, and shoes can ensure adequate protection for the limbs.

2. Dietary adjustment: Diet is also an important aspect in managing cold hands and feet. Consuming more warm-natured foods can supply necessary nutrients and help alleviate symptoms of cold extremities.

3. Increase physical activity: Moderate exercise can promote blood circulation and enhance the body's heat-producing capacity. Aerobic exercises such as jogging, rope skipping, and yoga, performed 3-5 times per week for 30 minutes each session, are recommended.

4. Soak feet in hot water: Soaking feet in hot water every night is also an effective method of regulation. This practice can improve foot circulation, relieve fatigue, and help alleviate symptoms of cold hands and feet.

5. Acupuncture or moxibustion therapy: Acupuncture and moxibustion are traditional Chinese medicine treatments that are effective in improving cold hands and feet. Acupuncture can promote blood circulation by stimulating specific points, while moxibustion can warm and unblock the meridians through its heating effect.

During the regulation process, suitable methods should be selected according to individual conditions, and attention should be paid to monitoring the body's response.