Cold and Heat Glossary
Explaining unfamiliar terms first
Briefly check the meanings in the glossary, and for assessments related to your symptoms, please continue to the linked disease guides and columns.
Total 55 terms
Korean Medicine Concepts
Liver Yang Rising Liver yang rising Liver yang rising is a category in Korean medicine determined by observing whether heat sensations, redness, headaches, or dizziness in the face and head change according to tension or sleep status. It does not mean the same thing as liver disease or hypertension. Liver fire Liver heat · Liver fire Liver fire is a category in Korean medicine determined by observing whether heat sensations, redness, headaches, or dry mouth in the face, eyes, and head appear following irritability or tension. It is not the same as hepatitis or liver dysfunction. Qi stagnation Qi stagnation · Stagnation of energy Qi stagnation is a category in Korean medicine determined by observing whether symptoms such as chest tightness, sighing, a feeling of blockage in the throat, abdominal bloating, or heat sensations fluctuate according to tension and emotional changes. It is not a term that concludes the issue is solely psychological. Qi stagnation and blood stasis Stagnation of qi and blood · Qi stagnation and blood stasis Qi stagnation and blood stasis is a category in Korean medicine determined by observing whether chest tightness changes according to tension, accompanied by fixed pain or color changes in a specific area. It does not mean that blood vessels are actually blocked. Qi deficiency State of insufficient energy · Qi deficiency Qi deficiency is a category in Korean medicine considered when clues of functional decline are present, such as tiring easily, slow recovery, or shortness of breath and sweating even with slight movement. It is not the same as simple fatigue or a specific disease name. Qi and blood Qi and blood In the term 'qi and blood,' qi is a Korean medicine term describing body function and activity, while blood describes the foundation that nourishes and moistens the body. These are not expressions that refer literally to gas or the volume of blood. Qi and blood deficiency Qi and Blood Deficiency · A state where both Qi and Blood are deficient · 氣血兩虛 Qi and Blood Deficiency is a category in Korean medicine determined by observing whether fatigue and decreased recovery are accompanied by clues such as dizziness, paleness, throbbing, or a feeling of coldness. It is not the same as a diagnosis of anemia or chronic fatigue syndrome. Spleen Yang Deficiency Spleen Yang Deficiency · 脾陽虛 · spleen yang deficiency Spleen Yang Deficiency is a category in Korean medicine determined by observing whether a cold abdomen and slow digestion are accompanied by loose stools or post-meal fatigue. It does not refer to anatomical diseases of the spleen. Upper Heat and Lower Cold Upper Heat and Lower Cold · A state where the upper body is hot and the lower body is cold · 上熱下寒 Upper Heat and Lower Cold is both a description of symptoms where upper body heat and lower body coldness appear together and a category in Korean medicine. It is not a single disease name, and the different causes for each area must be distinguished first. Kidney Yang Deficiency Kidney Yang Deficiency · 腎陽虛 · kidney yang deficiency Kidney Yang Deficiency is a category in Korean medicine determined by observing whether coldness in the lower back and lower body, sensitivity to cold, decreased energy, and changes in urination appear together. It does not mean the same as abnormalities in kidney function tests. Excess Heat Excess Heat · 實熱 · excess heat pattern Excess Heat is a category in Korean medicine that groups distinct clues of heat, such as strong heat sensations, thirst, redness, and constipation. It cannot be directly translated to mean a high body temperature or the presence of inflammation. Heart Fire Excessive Heart Fire · 心火 Heart Fire is a category in Korean medicine determined by observing whether chest throbbing, facial heat, dry mouth, insomnia, and anxiety appear together. It does not mean that there is actual inflammation or heat in the physical heart. Yang Deficiency Yang deficiency Yang deficiency is a category in Korean medicine determined by observing whether coldness in the hands, feet, or abdomen and a high sensitivity to cold occur alongside changes such as fatigue, digestion, or bowel movements. It is not the same as having a low body temperature or hypothyroidism. Blood stasis Blood stasis Blood stasis is a category in Korean medicine that groups together symptoms such as fixed pain in one area, stabbing sensations, bruising or skin color changes, and menstrual changes. It is not a medical diagnosis such as thrombosis or vascular occlusion. Heat syndrome Heat syndrome Heat syndrome refers to a tendency where various body signals lean toward heat. It is not a disease name referring to fever caused by infection or thyroid disease, so necessary differential diagnosis is required first. Yin deficiency Yin deficiency Yin deficiency does not refer solely to a lack of body fluids; it is a category in Korean medicine determined by observing whether various changes occur together, such as dryness, nighttime heat sensations, night sweats, and dry mouth. It is not the same as a specific value on a blood test. Yin deficiency with internal heat Yin deficiency with internal heat Yin deficiency with internal heat is a category in Korean medicine considered when clues of both yin deficiency and heat appear together, such as heat sensations in the afternoon or night, burning sensations in the palms and soles, dry mouth, and night sweats. It is not determined by a single symptom alone. Body fluids Body fluids Body fluids is a Korean medicine term that broadly describes the body's moisture and fluid metabolism, rather than referring to a single specific fluid like saliva, tears, or sweat. It does not replace medical diagnoses such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. Thermoregulation Thermoregulation Thermoregulation is a process where the brain, autonomic nervous system, blood vessels, sweat, and metabolism work together to produce and release heat. If your face feels hot while your feet or lower abdomen feel cold, recording the thermometer readings separately from the specific areas and times you feel these sensations makes it easier to identify the cause and determine the direction of treatment. Han-yeol Cold and Heat patterns Han-yeol (Cold-Heat) is a criterion used to categorize the body's current tendency by looking at accompanying patterns such as thirst, sweating, digestion, and sleep, in addition to feelings of cold or heat. It is not the same as a single thermometer reading. Han-jeung Cold tendency Han-jeung refers to a tendency where various bodily signals converge in a cold direction. It is not a term for diseases such as anemia, hypothyroidism, or vascular and nerve problems. Heo-yeol Deficiency heat pattern Heo-yeol does not mean having a 'body type with a lot of heat,' but describes a pattern where heat sensations appear together with fatigue, changes in sleep, or dry mouth. You should not self-diagnose based on symptoms alone. Hyeol-heo Blood deficiency pattern Hyeol-heo is a Korean medicine category that groups various clues such as dizziness, paleness, palpitations, dryness, or numbness. It is not the same as anemia confirmed by a blood test and must be distinguished from it.
Describing Symptoms
Paresthesia Numbness · Tingling · Burning sensation Paresthesia can make your hands or feet feel as if they are burning or freezing even without an actual change in temperature. If numbness or decreased sensation occurs along with feelings of heat or cold, nerve-related causes must be distinguished. Cold Sensation Coldness · Chilling · Feeling of a cold body Cold sensation refers to symptoms where the hands, feet, abdomen, lower back, or the entire body feel cold and chilling. We also examine accompanying patterns such as changes in skin color, numbness, differences between the left and right sides, digestion, and fatigue. Cold Intolerance Sensitivity to cold · Feeling very cold · cold intolerance Cold intolerance is a systemic symptom of being exceptionally sensitive to the cold. We check thyroid function, anemia, weight changes, and medications; any cold sensation remaining after tests can be further examined from the perspective of Han-jeung (cold syndrome) and pattern identification. Fever Increase in body temperature · Having a fever · fever Fever is an increase in body temperature confirmed by a thermometer, which is different from a feeling of heat where the body feels hot despite a normal temperature. Since causes vary, including infection, inflammation, and medication, we examine the numerical value, duration, and accompanying symptoms. Sweating Perspiration · Secretion of sweat · sweating Sweating can be a normal reaction to exercise or heat; however, if it recurs without a reason, it may be related to the thyroid, infection, menopause, medication, or autonomic nerve reactions. The timing, location, and accompanying symptoms must be considered together. Upper Body Heat Sensation Heat in the upper body · Heat rising to the face · surging heat sensation Upper body heat sensation is an expression for symptoms where the face, head, or chest feel flushed or as if heat is surging upward. We distinguish between menopause, thyroid issues, medication, and tension reactions; for symptoms remaining after tests, we examine the distribution of heat and cold along with accompanying changes. Cold Hands and Feet Coldness of hands and feet · Cold hands and feet Cold hands and feet is a general term for the coldness and chilling of the extremities. It is not a disease caused by a single cause, and issues related to blood vessels, nerves, anemia, and the thyroid must be distinguished. Burning sensation in hands and feet Heat in palms and soles · Burning sensation in hands and feet Burning sensation in hands and feet is a term used to describe the feeling of heat and burning in the palms and soles. In addition to Korean medicine explanations such as deficiency heat, it is necessary to first distinguish between neurological, vascular, and hormonal causes. Cold sweat Sweating that feels cold · cold sweat Cold sweat is a symptom that can appear in various situations such as tension, pain, hypoglycemia, or changes in blood pressure. If sudden cold sweats are accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a feeling of fainting, you must be evaluated at a medical institution immediately. Facial Flushing Facial flushing · Facial heat · hot flush Facial flushing is a symptom where the face and neck become red and feel burning. Since causes vary, including menopause, emotional changes, medication, skin diseases, and thyroid issues, differentiation is necessary if it recurs. Night sweats Nighttime cold sweats · night sweats Night sweats are symptoms of repeated excessive sweating during sleep. In addition to indoor temperature, factors such as infection, hormonal changes, medication, and thyroid issues must be checked. Feeling of heat Feeling hot · Burning sensation A feeling of heat is a symptom of feeling hot in the face, chest, palms, or soles, regardless of the thermometer reading. The location, timing, and accompanying changes such as redness, sweating, or numbness serve as clues to categorize the cause. Chills Shivering cold · Coldness · chills Chills can appear along with infections during the process of raising body temperature and should be distinguished from a general feeling of coldness or cold sensitivity. If accompanied by fever, pain, or respiratory or urinary symptoms, medical evaluation is the priority. Dry mouth Dry mouth · Oral dryness · dry mouth Dry mouth can be caused by various factors, including insufficient fluid intake, medications, salivary gland issues, diabetes, mouth breathing, and tension. Even if accompanied by a feeling of heat, it is not immediately concluded to be yin deficiency or a heat syndrome. Burning sensation Burning pain · burning sensation A burning sensation is an expression of a stronger painful sensation than a simple feeling of warmth. Since causes vary, including nerve issues, inflammation, skin lesions, and oral diseases, we check the affected area, any loss of sensation, and visible changes together.
Conditions Requiring Differential Diagnosis
Hypothyroidism Low thyroid function · hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is a condition that can cause the body to feel cold and tired, as well as swelling or weight gain. It is not diagnosed by cold sensitivity alone; blood tests and medical evaluation are required. Hyperthyroidism Overactive thyroid · hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism can cause feelings of heat, sweating, palpitations, hand tremors, and weight loss. It is not diagnosed by symptoms alone; blood tests and medical evaluation are required. Menopause Menopause transition · Perimenopause · menopause transition During menopause, hot flashes that suddenly spread to the face and upper body, sweating, and changes in sleep and mood may occur. After distinguishing these from thyroid diseases or medication effects that cause similar symptoms, the appropriate medical care is selected. Burning Mouth Syndrome Oral burning sensation · burning mouth syndrome Burning Mouth Syndrome is a state where the tongue, lips, or palate feel as if they are burning despite the absence of noticeable lesions. Oral diseases, nutritional deficiencies, medications, and diabetes must be checked first. Hyperhidrosis Excessive sweating · hyperhidrosis Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating in specific areas, such as the hands, feet, armpits, or head, or throughout the entire body. We evaluate the timing and location of sweating, as well as patterns of heat and cold, alongside factors such as medication, thyroid function, and menopausal changes. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Diabetic neuropathy · diabetic peripheral neuropathy Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can cause burning, coldness, or numbness in the soles of the feet. If sensation is diminished, injuries may go unnoticed; therefore, blood glucose management, foot inspections, and medical evaluation are the priority. Raynaud Phenomenon Raynaud syndrome · Raynaud phenomenon Raynaud phenomenon is a vascular reaction where fingers or toes may turn white or blue and experience numbness or pain. It must be evaluated at a medical institution to be distinguished from simple cold hands and feet. Peripheral Neuropathy Peripheral nerve disorder · peripheral neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, decreased sensation, or burning in the hands and feet. If heat in the soles of the feet persists or sensation becomes dull, it should be checked at a medical institution rather than being dismissed as a constitutional issue. Anemia Hemoglobin deficiency · anemia Anemia can cause fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, paleness, and sensitivity to cold, and is confirmed via blood tests. The cause and severity must be evaluated rather than judging based on a feeling of coldness alone; this is not the same as 'blood deficiency' (Hyeol-heo) in Korean medicine. Autonomic Nerves Autonomic nervous system · autonomic nervous system The autonomic nervous system regulates sweating, heart rate, digestion, and the constriction and dilation of blood vessels. While it may be related to feelings of heat or cold, a 'problem with the autonomic nervous system' cannot be confirmed by symptoms alone. Hwabyeong Ulhwabyeong · hwabyeong Hwabyeong is a condition where emotional stress may be accompanied by symptoms such as chest tightness, heat sensations, throbbing, or a feeling of a lump in the throat. We do not treat this simply as a psychological issue, but address the physical symptoms as well.
Medical Terms
Differential Diagnosis Differential · differential diagnosis Differential diagnosis is the process of distinguishing possible causes one by one through examination, testing, and monitoring progress, rather than determining a diagnosis based on a single symptom. This is the first and most necessary step for heat and cold sensations. Pulse Diagnosis Pulse examination · 脈診 Pulse diagnosis is a Korean medicine examination of the pulse at the wrist. A diagnosis is not confirmed by pulse diagnosis alone; it is interpreted alongside the medical interview, other examinations, and existing test results. Medical Interview History taking · symptom questioning · medical interview A medical interview is a clinical process to identify when and where heat or cold sensations began and what factors they change with. It is the starting point for specifying the symptoms the patient feels and determining the direction for necessary tests and examinations. Abdominal Examination Abdominal examination · 腹診 · abdominal examination Abdominal examination is a part of Korean medicine examination that involves observing and touching the abdomen to check for tension, tenderness, and temperature. A diagnosis is not determined by abdominal examination alone; it is interpreted together with the medical interview, pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis, and necessary test results. Tongue Diagnosis Tongue examination · 舌診 Tongue diagnosis is a Korean medicine examination of the color, shape, and coating of the tongue. A condition is not confirmed by tongue diagnosis alone; it is interpreted alongside the medical interview, pulse diagnosis, and existing test results. Cold-Heat Pattern Identification Pattern Identification · Korean Medicine Pattern Identification · Byeon-jeung Pattern identification is a process of examining the location and timing of sensations of heat or cold, as well as accompanying patterns such as sleep, digestion, and perspiration, through medical interviews and physical examinations. This is not a substitute for medical tests or clinical diagnoses.