Let’s talk about “Cold” in Chinese medicine

Let’s talk about “Cold” in Chinese medicine.

Cold is considered one of the six evils that can disrupt the body’s balance and lead to dis-ease.

Feeling cold this time of year is normal and it is natural to prefer warmth, but if you are feeling like your fingers and toes are always cold, even when rugged up, this may be a sign you have an internal imbalance.

Cold is usually caused by exposure to cold environments or weather, such as working outdoors in the cold, playing sports outside in the cold, swimming when it’s cold, ice baths, cold therapy, and consuming a diet filled with cold-temperature foods and drinks. It can also be due to internal weakness of the body’s Yang energy. If you are weak constitutionally you may be more susceptible to cold.

**Signs of Cold:**

- Aversion to cold, cold extremities, and a preference for warmth.
- Sharp, constricting pain that improves with heat. Cold lower abdomen and painful periods. Internal cold can also contribute to infertility.
- Clear, watery mucus and digestive issues like loose stools.

**The antidote:**

- Come visit me in the clinic, I can assist in warming the body with acupuncture, moxibustion, and warming herbs.

- Stay warm, rug up, and make sure your feet, lower abdomen, lower back and neck are kept covered and warm. I’m talking about long socks, extra layers, beanies, and scarves.

- Eat warm, cooked foods like soups, stews, bone broth, and congee. Sip on ginger tea and warm water. Avoid cold, raw foods, and drink warm water.

Stay warm hunnys!