In the summer, when yang energy should be at its peak, some people experience the opposite—feeling a constant chill in the back, having icy hands and feet, or sensing a coldness in the waist and legs. What’s going on? Today, we’ll discuss this in detail and share 3 simple formulas to help you drive away the cold and warm you from head to toe!

First, heart deficiency leads to a cold back

The heart functions like a small furnace, responsible for pumping qi and blood throughout the body. The area in the middle of the back and upwards is connected to many acupoints linked to the heart and lungs, relying entirely on the warmth of qi and blood delivered by the heart for nourishment. If heart yang qi is insufficient, the furnace doesn’t burn vigorously enough, and qi and blood fail to reach the back. As a result, that area naturally feels chilly, and one may shiver when exposed to wind.

Not only that, it may also cause symptoms like dizziness, chest tightness, tossing and turning in bed unable to sleep, and easily waking up even after finally falling asleep. In such cases, one can try a modified version of Baizi Yangxin Decoction to help replenish heart yang. Once qi and blood circulate normally, the chill in the back will gradually dissipate.

Secondly, spleen deficiency leads to cold limbs.

The food we consume needs to be transformed by the spleen and stomach into qi and blood, which are then delivered to the limbs. The spleen and stomach act like the cook in the household. If they become lazy and fail to supply sufficient qi and blood, the hands and feet, being farthest from the heart, are the first to suffer. They feel cold to the touch, particularly from the ankles downward, where the chill is even more pronounced.

At this stage, a person may gradually lose weight, accompanied by epigastric pain, poor appetite, indigestion, and loose, poorly formed stools. In this case, one may consider using Aconite Center-Regulating Decoction (Fuzi Lizhong Tang) with modifications to regulate the body, warming the center and fortifying the spleen. This helps the spleen and stomach resume their proper functions. When qi and blood are replenished, the hands and feet will gradually warm up.

Finally, kidney deficiency leading to coldness in the lower back and legs

The lower back is the residence of the kidneys, and the kidneys govern the yang qi of the entire body. The kidney's yang qi is like the main heating valve for the entire body, regulating the temperature throughout. If kidney yang is insufficient, the valve cannot be tightly closed, and warmth cannot be adequately distributed throughout the body, resulting in a cold sensation in the lower back and legs, often accompanied by a slight ache.

Individuals with this condition may also experience symptoms such as low energy, general discomfort, frequent nighttime urination, and clear, copious urine. In such cases, one may consider using Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi Decoction (Jingui Shenqi Tang) with modifications to regulate the body. This formula helps warm and tonify kidney yang. Once kidney yang is replenished, the cold sensation and pain in the lower back and legs will gradually subside.

The content of this article is for reference only. Each individual's situation varies, and the approach to regulation may differ as well. If you also experience such sensations of coldness, it is advisable to consult a professional physician for a proper diagnosis before using any medication!