Many people, in particular women, suffer from “cold feet” and “cold hands” upon the arrival of winter. Although it is not an illness, it could be quite bothering. No matter how many clothes they wear, or how much hot fluid they drink, nothing seems really help. What on earth causes that and how can it be fixed?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are two factors contribute to cold limbs. The first one is having a weak “Yang Qi” [the energy being expended in order to create a manifest action] that is not capable of warming the whole body. As our feet and hands locate at the farthest part of the body, a weak “Yang Qi” just won’t be able to create enough heat to reach these extremities.
Image by Ingorrr
For people who have this condition, they should pay attention to keeping warm, especially the legs and feet. “If the lower part of the body is warm, the whole body feels warm,” TCM Practitioner said. “Soak the feet in warm-to-hot water before bed usually makes a good night’s sleep so achievable.”
In order to boost the ability to withstand the cold, people can eat more foods in “hot” nature, such as beef, lamb, chicken, garlic, chili, and ginger. “Also, to massage an acupoint—’Yongquan’ (where it is located at the center of the sole)—helps, too,” TCM Practitioner suggested. “Use the thumb to massage this acupoint in quick motion 100 times every morning and night and the feet as well as hands should get warm immediately.”
Image by Artbandito
On the other hand, there are people who don’t suffer from a weak “Yang Qi;” instead, they have a poor circulation of blood and “Qi,” which causes a stagnation of “Yang Qi” that cannot pass through to the limbs. Consequently, they have unusually cold feet and hands even though their body feels very warm, particularly after standing or sitting for some time. For this people, they should do more exercises to boost the blood circulation. Furthermore, they can eat more foods that facilitate the flow of blood and “Qi,” like hawthorn, citrus, etc. “Last but not the least, don’t wear clothes that are too tight; they hinder you from having a smooth circulation of blood before you know it,” TCM Practitioner added.
I am almost 79 years old, female. I live in Florida and only recently I am experiencing cold feet. Placing them on a heating pad does not warm them up. I will put them in hot water at bedtime. My hands are warm and I have good respiration and normal blood pressure. I have good pulses in my ankle I was told by a PA recently. I consulted with a Chinese doctor several years ago and altho I did not have cold feet then, I recall reading something about the reason for cold feet but cannot find that article. Because I have this very tight feeling in both feet and extending a few inches above my ankles, I thought I had PAD but just read about those symptoms which I do not have. So, what do you think is cause of my cold feet?
As what the article said, generally there are two factors that contribute to cold limbs. One is having a weak “Yang Qi” that is not able to create enough heat to reach the farthest part of the body. The other one is having a poor circulation of blood and “Qi” and causes a stagnation of “Yang Qi.” As a result, energy (heat) cannot pass through to the limbs.
It’s hard to say which condition you are having. So, consult a certified TCM Practitioner. Once you are diagnosed, then you may use food and acupoint massage to improve your condition. Herbal medicine administered by TCM Practitioner helps, but this is a long-haul thing. Lifestyle is important.