Many people experience cold hands and feet, which may be a sign of some underlying health problem. From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, cold hands and feet are usually related to insufficient Yang Qi and poor Qi and blood circulation.
Understanding the causes of cold hands and feet and ways to improve circulation is key to maintaining good health. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, when the Yang Qi is relatively weak and the body is in a cold environment, the blood vessels will constrict, especially the peripheral blood vessels, restricting blood flow and making the hands and feet feel cold. In addition, a slowdown in the body’s internal metabolism may also cause cold hands and feet, because the slowdown in the metabolic rate will affect the blood circulation inside the body. Therefore, the key to improving cold hands and feet is to promote Yang Qi and blood circulation.
To improve blood circulation, a medicinal diet and tea (recipe on the right) are important auxiliary means. Warming and tonic medicinal foods can use ingredients with warming properties such as aconite, cinnamon, and ginger, and can be cooked into soups or stews to help increase body temperature and improve blood circulation.
In addition, warming tea is another effective way. Choose cinnamon, ginger, red dates, and other Chinese herbal medicines with warming effects and brew them into tea, which not only warms the body and dispels cold, but also promotes blood circulation.
Polygonum multiflorum chicken soup
●Efficacy: Replenishing qi, activating blood circulation, warming and clearing meridians.
●Indications: anti-aging, promoting blood circulation (pregnant women should use with caution).
●Ingredients: 15g ginseng, 20g Polygonum multiflorum, 10g Eucommia ulmoides, 10g Polygonatum odorifera, 10g Guizhi, 10g Astragalus, 10g Codonopsis pilosula, 15g Angelica sinensis, 10g Chuanxiong, 20g wolfberry, 8 red dates, half a silky chicken, 1 large rice wine spoon, cut 6 slices of ginger, 5 to 8 mushrooms, 6 bowls of water, and a little salt.
●How to do:
1. Soak the mushrooms until soft, cut into 6 slices of ginger, wash and cut the chicken into pieces, blanch in boiling hot water and remove.
2. Wash the Chinese herbal medicines, put them into a pot with rice wine and water, and bring to a boil. After the Chinese herbal medicine soup comes out, add the chicken and simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked.
3. Add a little salt to taste before serving and serve.
Wen Tong tea
●Efficacy: Warming and clearing meridians, nourishing and activating blood.
●Indications: Promote blood circulation and improve immunity (pregnant women should use with caution).
●Ingredients: Angelica 10g, cinnamon 5g, red dates 5g, licorice 10g, Ligusticum chuanxiong 10g, 2~3 slices of ginger
●Method: Pour 800 ml of water, cut the red dates, and boil together with other medicinal materials. Boil over high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, then simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes before drinking.
Acupoint massage is also an effective way to improve cold hands and feet. Zusanli point is located about four fingers below the knee and one thumb apart from the tibia. Massaging this point can help replenish yang energy, promote blood circulation, and relieve the symptoms of cold hands and feet.
In addition, soaking your feet in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes every day can not only stimulate the acupoints on the soles of the feet and promote blood circulation but also dilate blood vessels through the action of hot water, increasing blood supply to the hands and feet. When soaking your feet, you can also add some Chinese herbal medicines with warming effects, such as ginger, mugwort leaves, etc., to enhance the effect.
Through the above methods, blood circulation is improved and the body’s heat production is increased, helping to keep hands and feet warm. Good living habits, proper warmth, and moderate exercise are also important factors in maintaining health. If cold hands and feet persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor to formulate a specific diagnosis and treatment plan.
