Having cold hands and feet can mean many things. It might be due to a low air-conditioning setting or heightened nervousness. Sensitivity to cold weather is another potential cause. In tropical countries like Malaysia and Singapore, where low temperatures are uncommon, individuals may easily experience cold extremities, especially during the rainy season.

Why Cold Hands and Feet: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective

In TCM, the occurrence of cold hands and feet is often linked to imbalances in the body's vital energies, particularly the concepts of Qi, Yin and Yang. Specific symptoms may indicate a connection to a particular organ system. For example, cold hands can indicate a heart blood deficiency, accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, easily startled and poor memory. Likewise, cold feet may be due to liver blood deficency, with accompanying symptoms like numbness, muscle spasms, blurry vision, floaters, scanty menses or brittle nails.

Qi Deficiency

TCM is very much based around the health and quality of Qi in the body, which is often defined as the energy that animates all life. It circulates through meridians, or energy channels, nourishing organs, tissues and cells.

When Qi is insufficient, one may experience a range of symptoms, with cold extremities being a common manifestation. The diminished flow of vital energy compromises the body's ability to generate warmth, leading to a lack of warmth in the hands and feet.

Qi deficiency can be worsened by attributes of modern living like work-stress, sedentary habits and poor food choices. Chronic stress depletes Qi, causing the pulse to be irregular and potentially resulting in cold extremities. In order to correct the Qi deficit, it is necessary to incorporate mindfulness, appropriate rest and nourishing diets.

Yang Qi Deficiency

TCM is based on the concept of Yin and Yang—opposing yet harmonising forces. Yang is the driving force responsible for transforming and transporting Qi, the vital energy, throughout the body. It is the active, warming and expansive principle that counterbalances Yin's receptive, cooling and contracting nature. The interplay of Yin and Yang creates the harmony necessary for optimal physiological functioning.

TCM acknowledges the influence of six evils—Wind, Cold, Heat, Dryness, Dampness and Fire. These environmental elements can infiltrate the body, potentially causing illnesses.

When Yang Qi is deficient, the body experiences a lack of warmth and energy. This insufficiency is caused by a variety of causes, including chronic sickness, ageing, overexertion and prolonged exposure to cold conditions. Cold hands and feet are noticeable symptoms of Yang insufficiency, reflecting the body's effort to maintain appropriate warmth and circulation.

To identify Yang deficiency, look out for signs such as persistent fatigue, sensitivity to cold, nasal congestion, continuous sneezing, abdominal pain, menstrual cramps and blood clots (for women), along with digestive issues. If these symptoms resonate with you, consult certified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners for accurate diagnosis and personalised herbal remedies or therapies to restore balance and well-being.

The Role of Kidney Yang

In TCM, the Kidney is considered the storehouse of Jing - our essence. Through the process of transformation, Kidney Jing is transformed into Kidney Yang. Kidney Yang deficiency is a common diagnosis associated with cold extremities. As the root of Yang energy, the Kidney plays a pivotal role in maintaining the body's foundational warmth and vitality. Factors such as ageing, excessive stress or chronic health conditions can compromise Kidney Yang, leading to cold hands and feet.

Why Cold Hands and Feet: Modern Medicine Perspective

In modern medicine, cold extremities may indicate a lack of blood circulation, sluggish metabolism, poor digestion or a combination of the three factors.

Blood Circulation

Blood circulation, associated with the circulatory system, is responsible for helping transport oxygen and nutrients to all parts of our body and carbon dioxide and waste away to be excreted. In addition, it also serves to distribute heat in the body[1]. However, when blood flow is restricted due to problems in the vessel, like a clot or a condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon, this function can be affected resulting in cold limbs. In severe cases, it could even lead to discoloration of the fingers or extremities.

Metabolic Rate

Our basal metabolism, which is determined by the balance of thyroid hormones in our body, can also determine whether or not we have tolerance towards the cold. People with low metabolic rates can have cold hands and feet[2]. Having a slow metabolism can occur when you have low thyroid function or use drugs such as beta-blockers that cause poor blood circulation in the small vessels[3]].

Several factors that contribute to a sluggish metabolism include:

Thyroid Dysfunction: Low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism, is a common culprit behind reduced metabolic rates.
Medications and Circulation: Certain medications, such as beta-blockers, are known to impede blood circulation in the small vessels.
Nutritional Factors: Poor dietary choices and insufficient calorie intake may contribute to a slowdown in metabolism, affecting the body's ability to generate warmth.

Digestive Problem

Lastly, a well-functioning digestive system ensures the efficient absorption of vital nutrients—iron, B vitamins, and magnesium—which play a key role in energy production and circulation. Digestive issues hindering nutrient absorption can upset this balance, leading to the feeling of cold hands and feet.

The interplay between the digestive and nervous systems is crucial. Stress, a common cause of digestive issues, triggers the sympathetic nervous system, prompting the "fight or flight" response. This redirection of blood away from peripheral areas towards vital organs can leave the extremities feeling cold—a tangible manifestation of the intricate interplay between stress, digestion and circulation.

How to Manage Cold Hands and Feet with TCM

Despite the causes, there are things that you should avoid and habits that can benefit you. Practising these TCM habits will help conserve your Yang Qi:

Reduce the consumption of raw and cold foods
Try not to eat cold foods like salads, cold fruits, milk and overnight oats on an empty stomach
Have warming foods or drinks, like mutton, leek, cinnamon, mugwort leaves and jujube tea with ginger
Soak your feet in warm water for 15 minutes. You can add mugwort leaves, ginger or prickly ash to the bath for extra warmth
Get enough rest
Avoid prolonged sitting
Putting on more layers when the weather is cold

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment Approaches

Food

In Chinese Medicine, food is categorised based on 5 natures (hot, cold, warm, cool and neutral). The method of preparation is also considered for e.g. whether it is raw or cooked. To maintain warmth in extremities, avoid food of a cold or cool nature and reduce the intake of cold and raw foods (salads, smoothies, iced drinks) and focus on cooked, warm or hot options.

Blood-Tonifying Foods:

Apricots
Cherries
Red grapes
Beets
Beef
Eggs
Figs
Dates
Parsley
Dark leafy greens

Warming Foods:

Cayenne
Cinnamon
Clove
Ginger
Nutmeg
Walnuts
Pistachios
Chestnuts
Onion
Garlic

Many of these foods are rich in sulphur (considered warming), promoting elastic blood vessels and increased circulation. Include sulphur-rich options like cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, allium vegetables (garlic, onion), lentils, chickpeas and walnuts in your diet for enhanced blood flow.

TCM Acupuncture

In the realm of TCM, acupuncture is an effective treatment for those seeking relief from the persistent chill of cold extremities.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points along the body's meridians to address issues of Qi stagnation or deficiency. Acupuncturists target points linked to circulation improvement, enhanced Qi flow and restored warmth, focusing on hands, feet and lower limbs associated with kidney, spleen and heart meridians in TCM.

Research studies exploring the efficacy of TCM and acupuncture for cold hands and feet in various conditions, such as Raynaud's disease or poor circulation, show promising results[4]. Acupuncture has been found to enhance microcirculation, improve blood flow and promote a sense of warmth and comfort in individuals with cold extremities.

Experience TCM Acupuncture in Singapore at Common TCM

Acupuncture is a cumulative process, with each treatment building upon the previous one. While positive effects may become noticeable after a few sessions, lasting results are achieved through regular and consistent treatments.

If you are seeking the best acupuncture in Singapore, consider a TCM clinic in Singapore like Common TCM. Our experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners provide customised TCM treatments to help you manage cold hands and feet. Book an appointment and experience the benefits of TCM acupuncture with us today!

TCM Treatment Approaches to Cold Hands and Feet