Many are troubled by cold hands and feet as the cooler weather arrives in December. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cold extremities are closely linked to a "Yang Deficiency," primarily due to insufficient Yang energy and poor blood circulation, making the body less effective at fighting cold weather. Those with Yang deficiency are most susceptible to cold hands and feet during the winter, given Hong Kong's humid environment and people spending long hours in air-conditioned spaces.

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From a TCM perspective, we'll explore why your extremities get cold and share practical solutions to help those with yang deficiency maintain warmth and health throughout winter.

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What is Yang Deficiency?

Yang deficiency represents an imbalance where the body tends to be cold. In TCM, this condition reflects a depletion of the body’s yang energy, which can be understood simply as the body’s “internal heating system.” Yang energy is the body’s source of warmth, driving the circulation of qi (vital energy) and blood, regulating body temperature, and providing resistance against external cold. When yang energy is insufficient, the body’s ability to maintain warmth is compromised.

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From a TCM perspective, yang deficiency is not only a matter of feeling cold—it can have a broader impact on overall health. Insufficient yang energy makes individuals more prone to external cold pathogens, disrupting qi and blood circulation, which may further upset the yin-yang balance within the body. While symptoms of yang deficiency are most noticeable during winter, they can also manifest in other seasons, with common signs including cold hands and feet, fatigue, and general weakness.

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Common Symptoms of Yang Deficiency

1.Cold Hands and Feet: Poor blood circulation prevents blood from reaching the extremities, resulting in cold hands and feet even in relatively warm conditions.

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2. Abnormal Sensitivity to Chill: A constant feeling of coldness, even in warm environments. Those affected are particularly sensitive to cold beverages or raw, cold foods, which can exacerbate discomfort.

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3.Pale or Dull Complexion: Due to insufficient nourishment from qi and blood, the skin may appear pale, dull, or lack luster.

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4.Pale Tongue with White Coating or Teeth Marks: A moist tongue surface with a white coating is a sign of cold and dampness affecting the body.

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5.Poor Digestive Function: Impaired spleen and stomach function often lead to symptoms like bloating, indigestion, or discomfort after meals.

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Causes of Cold Hands and Feet

1. Insufficient Yang Energy: Yang energy is the driving force behind the body’s functions and provides warmth. When yang energy is deficient, blood circulation to the extremities becomes ineffective, particularly in cold and damp weather.

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2. Disrupted Qi and Blood Circulation: Blood and qi circulation form the foundation of bodily functions. Poor circulation prevents blood from reaching the extremities, leading to persistently cold hands and feet. Urban sedentary lifestyles and lack of physical activity further block proper circulation, naturally resulting in cold extremities.

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3. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits: Yang deficiency in the kidney is frequently seen in those with yang deficiency, where causes are closely linked to lifestyle choices. Consuming raw or cold foods, lack of exercise, and chronic late nights weaken kidney yang, exacerbating cold hands and feet.

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4. Cold Weather: Hong Kong’s winters are often damp and cold, with significant temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments. These conditions can further weaken yang energy, intensifying symptoms for individuals with yang deficiency.

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TCM Approaches to Treating Yang Deficiency

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Dietary Adjustments and Herbal Soups for Alleviating Yang Deficiency

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According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, diet plays a vital role in treating Yang deficiency, and food ingredients should be selected based on their warming or cooling properties. Choose warming ingredients like lamb, fresh ginger, and red dates to replenish yang energy and improve cold hands and feet. You should also avoid consuming cold or raw foods (such as sashimi, cold drinks, and herbal tea) to prevent further depletion of Yang energy.

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In addition to dietary adjustments, herbal soups and wellness teas are integral to TCM health practices. These remedies strengthen the kidneys, support yang energy, enhance blood circulation, and alleviate the discomfort of cold winters. Below are some TCM-recommended soups and teas for those experiencing yang deficiency:

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Two Herbal Soups to Boost Qi and Blood

1.Dang Gui Ginger Lamb Soup (當歸生薑羊肉湯)

Benefits:

●Dispels cold and warms the body

●Nourishes the kidneys

●Strengthens Yang energy

●Suitable for cold and damp winters

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2.Women's Treasures Tonic Soup (八珍湯)

Benefits:

●Soup to nourish qi and blood

●Regulates and improves qi and blood circulation

●Alleviates yang deficiency

●Ideal for individuals with qi and blood deficiency or are prone to cold

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Three Herbal Teas

1. Red Date and Longan Tea (紅棗桂圓茶)

Benefits:

●Nourishes the spleen and stomach

●Soothens the heart and lungs

●Replenishes blood and calms the mind

●Effective in alleviating sensitivity to cold

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2. Astragalus and Red Date Tea (黃耆紅棗茶)

Benefits:

●Boosts qi and blood

●Enhances physical strength

●Suitable for individuals with cold hands and feet

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3.Sun-dried Mandarin Orange Peel and Pu-erh Tea (陳皮普洱茶)

Benefits:

●Warms the stomach and dispels cold

●Promotes metabolism

●Helps regulate qi and blood circulation.

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Acupressure Massage and Moxibustion

TCM emphasizes acupressure massage and moxibustion to regulate the body and alleviate cold hands and feet caused by yang deficiency. Massaging specific acupoints can promote qi and blood circulation, strengthen immunity, and improve overall well-being.

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●Zusanli: Enhances the smooth flow of qi and blood, improving overall health and energy levels.

●Guanyuan and Mingmen: Strengthens kidney yang and boosts yang energy within the body, improving vitality and warming the core.

●Yongquan: Promotes blood circulation to the extremities, enhancing the sensation of warmth, especially useful for office workers in air-conditioned environments.

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Moxibustion therapy is a warming stimulation technique specifically beneficial for individuals with yang deficiency. Under professional guidance, applying moxibustion to specific acupoints (such as Guanyuan and Mingmen) can enhance yang energy within the body and promote qi and blood circulation.

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Moxibustion can expel internal cold and directly alleviate cold-induced symptoms like cold hands and feet, providing long-lasting warmth and relief.

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By combining acupressure massage with moxibustion, individuals with yang deficiency can effectively strengthen their resistance to cold and better adapt to damp and chilly weather. This holistic approach offers immediate and sustained benefits for overall health and well-being.

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Lifestyle Habit Routines

Incorporating proper warming measures into daily routines is essential for improving a yang deficiency and alleviating cold hands and feet:

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Maintain Warmthness: Wear sufficient warm clothing, paying special attention to keeping the hands, feet, waist, and abdomen warm to reduce exposure to cold.

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Engage in Moderate Exercise: Activities like tai chi and yoga can effectively promote qi and blood circulation and enhance the body’s resistance to cold.

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Ensure Adequate Sleep: Maintaining good sleep supports kidney health and protects yang energy. Establish a regular sleep routine and avoid prolonged late nights, which can deplete yang energy.

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Embrace Warmth: Overcoming Cold Hands and Feet with TCM

Cold hands and feet are common during Hong Kong winters and are often linked to overall health. For individuals with a yang deficiency, it is essential to take early steps to improve and adjust their bodies.

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You can effectively overcome the discomfort of cold extremities by incorporating TCM practices such as dietary adjustments, acupressure massage, and moxibustion, along with maintaining healthy eating and sleeping habits. These measures can help eliminate yang deficiency, allowing you to experience a more comfortable winter this year.

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The above article was commented by Chinese Medicine Practitioner Huang Yao.