Since the start of winter, many people have felt a chill throughout their bodies, with their hands and feet becoming unbearably cold. This is especially true for petite women and office workers under excessive stress. Even by constantly drinking hot water and wearing extra layers of clothing, they find no relief. So, what is the reason for this?
Experts believe there are two main causes for cold hands and feet. The first is due to a deficiency and decline of the body's yang energy, which fails to warm the body. Since the hands and feet are at the extremities of the body, they are the first to lose this warming effect, leading to a general feeling of coldness, with the extremities being particularly affected. For those in this situation, it is important to keep warm, especially the legs and feet. Good insulation for the lower body will make the entire body feel warmer. Before bed, be sure to soak your feet; warm feet make it easier to fall asleep. In terms of diet, one should consume more warming foods such as beef, lamb, chicken, garlic, chili, ginger, and longan to improve the body's cold tolerance. For severe cases, medications like Jin Gui Shen Wan can be taken to tonify the kidneys and warm the yang. Additionally, acupressure can also alleviate the symptoms of cold hands and feet. The Yongquan acupoint is located at the center of the sole of the foot. It can be pressed and kneaded quickly with the thumb until a sensation of warmth is felt. Knead it 100 times in the morning and evening, followed by rubbing each toe 100 times. This method tonifies the kidneys and strengthens the yang, quickly warming the hands and feet.
The second scenario is when the body's yang energy is not deficient, but the circulation of qi and blood is poor. This leads to a stagnation of yang energy within the body, preventing it from reaching the hands and feet, resulting in a feeling of coldness. People in this situation only experience cold hands and feet, while their torso is not cold and may even feel sensitive to heat. For these individuals, it is recommended to increase physical activity, especially for those who sit or stand for long periods. They should do more exercises for their hands, feet, and waist to improve blood circulation. Clothing should not be too tight, as tight garments can impede blood circulation. In terms of diet, one should consume more foods that promote the movement of qi, invigorate blood circulation, and soothe the liver to relieve depression, such as hawthorn, rosebuds, and kumquats. The symptoms can also be relieved by massaging the Qichong acupoint. This point is located on the inner side of the thigh near the groin, where an artery runs beneath it. First, press and knead the Qichong acupoint, then press and knead the artery, alternating between a press and a release. Continue until you feel a sensation of warmth flowing down into your legs and feet.