Cold Legs, Cold Knees, and Sensitivity to Cold in the Legs: Three Chinese Patent Medicines to Help Solve Your Leg Problems
First is cold legs. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the Spleen governs the four limbs, which require the nourishment of Qi and blood transformed and transported by the Spleen. When the Spleen is deficient, the production of Qi and blood is insufficient, and Yang Qi becomes lacking. Consequently, it cannot warm the limbs. This lack of Yang Qi leads to the generation of internal cold, resulting in symptoms of cold legs. This may also be accompanied by poor appetite, listlessness, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, and a white, greasy tongue coating. In such cases, Shenling Baizhu San can be used.
Next is cold knees. TCM believes that the Liver governs the tendons and the Kidney governs the bones. When the Liver and Kidney are deficient, the tendons and bones become weak. Since the waist is the "mansion of the Kidneys" and the knees are the "mansion of the tendons," when Yang is deficient and cold pathogens arise, one will experience a sensation of coldness in the knees. This is often accompanied by cold hands and feet, frequent nighttime urination, and a heavy, weak feeling in the body. In such cases, Duzhong (Eucommia) Granules can be used.
Finally, there is the issue of legs being sensitive to cold. Traditional Chinese Medicine states that "Qi is the commander of blood, and blood is the mother of Qi." When Qi and blood are insufficient, blood stagnates within the body, forming blood stasis. This stasis prevents the stomach Qi from being distributed to the lower limbs, meaning Yang Qi cannot warm the legs. As cold pathogens invade the lower limbs, symptoms such as coldness and sensitivity to cold occur. This may be accompanied by localized bruising, a dark purple tongue, and a thick white tongue coating. In such cases, **Shujin Huoluo Wan** can be used for treatment.
A reminder to everyone: Traditional Chinese Medicine requires syndrome differentiation. If needed, please consult a professional physician for timely diagnosis, treatment, and conditioning.