Deficient Cold is much more common and occurs when the Yang Qi is weak leaving the body ‘unheated’. People often first start feeling cold in the hands and feet, but later may feel cold all over.
Commonly they prefer drinking warm drinks because they need to warm up inside. Usually they have urinary signs – waking up at night to go to the toilet, difficulty holding in urine, they feel very tired, listless, aimless, lack will power, and have difficulty asserting themselves. Other signs include a dull pale complexion, possible sweating, a deficient-slow pulse, and a thin white coat on a pale tongue. Pain is less notable.
• Excessive physical work
• Diet, i.e. inadequate consumption of hot foods
• Excessive sexual activity (Kidney-Yang)
• Internal Cold injuring Yang