Why do my hands and feet feel cold even though my body doesn’t feel cold?

Many people experience cold hands and feet during winter. To alleviate this symptom, it is essential first to understand its underlying causes. Why do hands and feet feel cold even when the rest of the body feels warm? Below, we address this question.

Why Do Hands and Feet Feel Cold While the Body Feels Warm?

Cold hands and feet despite a warm core body temperature may result from dual deficiency of Qi and blood or spleen-stomach weakness. Treatment may involve pharmacotherapy.

1. Dual Deficiency of Qi and Blood

Dual deficiency of Qi and blood commonly arises from prolonged illness depleting Qi and blood reserves, or from chronic malnutrition. Patients with this condition often experience cold extremities despite a warm trunk, accompanied by symptoms such as insomnia with vivid dreams, dull and lackluster skin, dry and brittle hair, and facial hyperpigmentation (e.g., age spots). Under physician guidance, treatment may include Ba Zhen Granules and Sheng Mai Yin.

2. Excess Dampness in the Body

Excess dampness may stem from living in a persistently humid environment or frequent consumption of cold, raw foods. Clinical manifestations include greasy white tongue coating, loose or unformed stools, bitter taste and halitosis, and tooth-marked tongue. Some patients may also present with cold hands and feet despite a warm core body temperature. Therapeutic options include Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan, and Jian Pi Wan.

The above outlines the potential causes of cold hands and feet despite a warm body. We hope this information proves helpful to you.