讀後心得

Many women often suffer from cold hands and feet in cold weather, mistakenly believing it is caused by "weak constitution" or "anemia," and taking tonics like ginseng may not necessarily be effective. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Shao Yuhao pointed out that cold hands and feet may be caused by "Qi stagnation" or "blood stasis," and blindly supplementing can actually worsen discomfort. He reminds that one should identify their own constitution, especially those with symptoms like dry mouth and a feeling of heat in the body, which may indicate a "heat stagnation type." Ways to improve this include increasing exercise, getting sun exposure, avoiding prolonged stays in air-conditioned rooms, and reducing the intake of cold drinks.

Many women have long been troubled by cold hands and feet, especially in cold weather, when their extremities are so cold that they cannot feel warmth, even affecting their daily lives. Many believe this is caused by "deficiency" or "anemia," and thus continuously supplement with ginseng, angelica, and ginger duck, hoping to improve their constitution. However, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners remind us that the reasons for cold hands and feet are not simple; if supplements are taken incorrectly, it may lead to "a bigger hole with more supplementation," thereby worsening bodily discomfort.

• Cold hands and feet are not necessarily due to deficiency!
  The circulation of Qi and blood is also key. Shao Yuhao indicates that for the limbs of the human body to remain warm, they rely on the "warming function of Qi and blood," and ensure the smooth flow of Qi and blood. Although those with insufficient Qi and blood or yang deficiency are prone to cold hands and feet, if the coldness is caused by Qi stagnation, blood stasis, or phlegm dampness, which hinders the distribution of Qi and blood, it can also lead to cold extremities and even prevent the release of heat within the body, forming a "heat-stagnation constitution." People of this type, if they use warming supplements to dispel the cold, may instead further hinder the flow of Qi and blood, causing internal heat to become more severe, leading to bodily discomfort.

Those who habitually consume cold drinks over a long period can also affect the flow of Qi and blood.

• Are you of the "heat-stagnation constitution"?
  Pay attention to these symptoms:
  
  • Cold hands and feet accompanied by dry mouth, body heat, and a hot forehead may indicate "heat-stagnation" rather than "deficiency-cold."
  • Dislike exercise, sitting for long periods, or often staying at home.
  • Staying in an air-conditioned room for extended periods can obstruct the body's yang energy.
  • Habitually drinking cold beverages affects the flow of Qi and blood.

For individuals with "heat-stagnation" causing cold hands and feet, experts suggest not simply increasing supplements but promoting physical activity to facilitate the flow of yang energy and truly improve the issue. Here are some suggestions:

• Exercise more: Engage in moderate daily exercise like jogging, brisk walking, or stretching exercises to help Qi and blood circulation.
• Get more sunlight: Appropriate sun exposure can help replenish yang energy, warming the body from within.
• Avoid staying in air-conditioned rooms for long periods: Over-reliance on air conditioning can lead to the stagnation of yang energy, keeping the hands and feet continuously cold.
• Reduce the intake of cold drinks: Drink warm boiled water or warm beverages to avoid obstructing the flow of Qi and blood in the body.