Disharmony of Coldness in the body

Cold is one of the six pernicious influences on the health of the body within the Chinese medical framework. As an external influence, it is appears suddenly, being experienced as fear of cold, chills (which blankets cannot alleviate), mild fever (with little sweating), headache and body aches. Internal Cold is usually chronic and associated with lowered metabolic activity, depressed mental function, retarded circulation, weakness and malaise, underactivity, general slowness and a greater need for sleep and warmth. This disharmony is associated with internal Deficiency of Yang. Cold is like Dampness, but may be distinguished by sharp, sudden and intense signs whereas Dampness produces protracted and heavy signs. Secretions are clear and watery rather than cloudy or sticky.