Everyone experiences feelings of cold. But for some people, it’s a daily struggle, even when the temperatures are sweltering. Persistent coldness can signal underlying health issues and imbalances. East Asian Medicine (EAM) offers valuable insights into why some people always feel cold and how to address this issue holistically.
In EAM, the sensation of feeling cold is often associated with imbalances in the body’s vital energy, or qi, and the balance of yin and yang. Yin refers to the cool, watery, passive parts of our physiology, whereas yang refers to the hot, fiery, active parts. When the yang energy is weakened, there isn’t enough fire to balance out the cool and watery yin. This leads to a pervasive feeling of cold that is hard to shake, even with lots of blankets and warm drinks. This is someone who always feels chilled, no matter what. There may also be other symptoms, such as loose stools, a lack of energy or motivation, wanting to sleep all the time or fluid accumulation. Both yin and yang deficiency cold can benefit from acupuncture, herbs and dietary adjustments.
Here’s how EAM views the causes of feeling cold:
Yang Deficiency – Yang is considered the warming and energizing force that drives bodily functions and maintains warmth. Yang deficiency means that the body lacks sufficient warmth and energy. People with Yang deficiency often feel cold, especially in the extremities. They may also experience fatigue, frequent urination, a pale complexion and a preference for warmth and hot foods. Yang deficiency can be due to chronic illness, prolonged exposure to cold environments, overwork or inadequate nutrition.
Qi Deficiency – Qi is the vital energy that circulates throughout the body, supporting various physiological functions. Qi deficiency can lead to poor circulation and an inability to maintain body heat. Individuals with qi deficiency may feel cold, especially in the limbs, have low energy levels, experience shortness of breath and have a weak immune system. Qi deficiency often arises from inadequate nutrition, excessive stress, lack of exercise or prolonged illness.
Yin Deficiency – Yin is the cooling and moisturizing aspect of the body. Yin deficiency means that there is a lack of the cooling and nourishing element necessary for maintaining equilibrium. Individuals with yin deficiency might feel cold but can also experience hot flashes, night sweats, dry skin and a feeling of internal heat despite feeling cold externally. Yin deficiency can result from chronic stress, improper diet, excessive heat or underlying health conditions.
Cold Dampness – Cold Dampness is an external factor in EAM that can invade the body, particularly affecting the digestive system and causing a sensation of heaviness and cold. People affected by cold dampness may feel cold and heavy, experience digestive issues such as bloating and diarrhea and have a sluggish or lethargic feeling. Exposure to damp and cold environments, eating cold or raw foods and having a compromised digestive system can contribute to cold dampness.
EAM has a lot to offer for those suffering from feelings of chronic coldness. Acupuncture can help to invigorate yang and qi and enhancing warmth. Acupuncture also helps to improve overall circulation which reduces feelings of cold. Herbal remedies can be used to tonify yin, yang and qi and expel cold dampness. Customized blends can be formulated for patients suffering from combination diagnoses. Moxibustion can also be very helpful for those suffering from yang and qi deficiency, while also improving circulation.
Lifestyle and dietary modifications are also areas that EAM focuses on to help patients heal. Eating foods that have warming properties can help to alleviate the sensation of cold. Examples include ginger, cinnamon, garlic and warming soups. Limiting the intake of cold, raw and damp-inducing foods, such as salads, ice-cold drinks and dairy products are also frequent recommendations.
Layering clothing and using warm accessories can help to retain body heat, especially in colder environments. Staying active through regular physical activity helps to improve circulation and generate internal warmth. Activities like brisk walking, yoga and Tai Chi can be very beneficial. Lastly, managing stress is crucial. Stress can contribute to qi and yang deficiency. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing and adequate rest can help to maintain balance and reduce the feelings of cold in the body.
Feeling cold can be more than just a simple discomfort, it may signal underlying imbalances in the body’s energy and functions. By understanding the EAM perspectives on yang deficiency, qi deficiency, cold dampness and yin deficiency, you can take informed steps to address this issue. Incorporating acupuncture, herbal remedies, dietary adjustments and lifestyle modifications can help restore balance and improve your overall sense of warmth and well-being. If you would like to find out more or you think the aforementioned conditions might apply to you, please reach out to schedule an appointment.