Today I won't be discussing any major illnesses, but rather a common minor annoyance many people experience: Why do you always feel cold, struggle to warm your hands and feet no matter what, and feel sluggish all day long?

From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, this likely isn't due to laziness, but rather a deficiency of "yang energy" within your body.

So what exactly is "yang energy"?

You can think of it as a "little sun" or "mini engine" built into our bodies. It has three main functions:

Heating: Responsible for warming our internal organs and the skin of our hands and feet, helping us maintain a constant body temperature.

Energy supply: Provides us with the power to fuel our work and daily lives.

Defense: Like a guardian, fend off the cold and dampness from outside that seek to cause trouble.

What happens when this "little sun" loses its strength—what we call "yang deficiency"?

Heating failure: When the heat isn't enough, your body naturally feels cold. That's why you're especially sensitive to the cold, with hands and feet feeling icy year-round. No matter how many layers you wear, you still feel the chill seeping into your bones.

Power Failure: When the engine runs out of fuel, the body loses its strength. This manifests as lethargy, a constant desire to lie down, yawning throughout the day, and a general lack of motivation for any activity.

Excessive Water Retention: When yang energy weakens, the body struggles to evaporate excess fluids, leading to stagnation. This can cause feelings of heaviness, mild swelling, and increased nighttime urination.

Blocked meridians: Insufficient yang energy slows down the circulation of qi and blood, making meridians prone to blockage. Traditional Chinese medicine often states, "Where there is no free flow, there is pain." Consequently, ailments like lower back soreness, stiffness in the back, and shoulder stiffness follow.

Compare it—do you find that several of them match up?

Don't worry—today I'll share a simple tea recipe to help you recharge your body's yang energy.

The method is quite simple: Take 5 grams of astragalus and 2 grams of cinnamon.

Place them in a cup, pour boiling water over them, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. You can then drink it as tea. Consume once daily for about a week to see the results.

What's the significance of this?

Astragalus is a master at boosting energy, fueling your body's engine to restore your vitality.

Cinnamon has a fiery nature, like a little furnace, capable of penetrating deep into our bodies to warm and nourish yang energy, driving out the cold.

One focuses on external effects (warming the body and dispelling cold), while the other targets internal functions (boosting energy and strengthening the foundation). When combined, they gradually restore yang energy, naturally warming the body and restoring vitality. This approach is especially suitable for those with a cold constitution who experience cold hands and feet, as well as aching lower back and knees, especially during winter.

One final reminder: Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes pattern differentiation, as each person's condition is unique. If you tend to experience internal heat, dry mouth and throat, or frequent breakouts, this formula may not be suitable for you. Should you feel unwell after trying any method, discontinue it immediately. It's best to consult a professional practitioner for personalized treatment—this approach offers the most reliable results.

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