Is it a blood circulation problem?

It could be, but that is not the only cause. We must also look for Raynaud's phenomenon where skin color changes, neurological issues accompanied by numbness, anemia, or hypothyroidism.

When should I seek a prompt medical evaluation?

Seek a prompt medical evaluation at a medical institution if only one side suddenly becomes cold, or if there is severe pain, wounds, loss of sensation, or persistent white or blue skin color changes.

How is the feeling of cold hands and feet categorized?

We distinguish whether it is always cold or severe only during specific seasons and times, whether both sides are the same, and whether they feel cold to the touch. If skin color changes after exposure to cold or stress, we first look for Raynaud's phenomenon; if numbness and loss of sensation are prominent, we first examine neurological causes.

What else is examined during heat-cold (Han-Yeol) medical evaluation?

Based on necessary test results, we examine overall body coldness, coldness in the lower abdomen and lower back, and changes in digestion, bowel movements, fatigue, and sleep. We do not determine the same prescription based solely on the symptom name 'cold sensitivity in hands and feet,' but judge during the medical evaluation whether it fits your current physical condition.

Cold sensitivity in hands and feet is evaluated by looking at sensation, skin color, and differences between the left and right sides

Cold sensitivity in hands and feet is a term used to describe the feeling that the hands and feet are excessively cold; this can include cases where the skin temperature is actually low and cases where only the sensation is cold. We first distinguish whether it occurs only in cold environments, whether it persists even when kept warm, and whether it affects only one side or specific fingers.

Commonly confused terms and their differences: Raynaud's phenomenon is a vascular reaction where the skin color of fingers and toes changes paroxysmally after cold or stress, whereas cold sensitivity in hands and feet is a broader symptom term. Traditional Korean medicine explanations such as 'Han-jeung' (cold syndrome) or 'Yang-heo' (Yang deficiency) alone cannot rule out anemia, thyroid disease, neurological issues, or peripheral blood flow problems.
Information to record before your visit: Please record the indoor temperature, clothing, the time it becomes cold, which area (hands or feet) starts first, and the difference between the left and right sides. It is helpful to record skin color changes to white or blue, pain, numbness, swelling, wounds, changes in fatigue, weight, and menstruation, as well as smoking and medications, and to take photos during an attack.
Scope of this material: MedlinePlus data was used to distinguish medical causes to check for in cold sensitivity and Raynaud's phenomenon. This page does not diagnose the cause or constitution of cold sensitivity in hands and feet, nor is it a criterion for choosing blood circulation agents or warming treatments. You must seek a prompt medical evaluation if one hand or foot suddenly becomes cold and pale with severe pain, if the color does not return, or if wounds develop.

Official References

Medical staff who wrote and reviewed this article

Choi Yeon-seung

Chief Director of Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic

The meaning and differential range of cold sensitivity in hands and feet, as well as patient guidance expressions, have been reviewed. The last review date was August 25, 2026.

Graduated from Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine
Providing Korean medicine treatment since 2010
Symptom treatment from the perspective of heat-cold balance and constitution

Check medical evaluation criteria for my symptoms View full profile

Check the guides where these terms are used

Symptom and Disease GuideMy hands and feet feel cold

Symptom and Disease GuideCold Hands and Feet

Symptom and Disease GuideRaynaud's syndrome

Heat and Cold ColumnDo you have severe cold sensitivity in your hands and feet and feel that circulation agents alone are not enough?

Beyond simple blood circulation issues, we analyze the cause of cold sensitivity in hands and feet from the perspective of the body's coldness (Han) and provide criteria for self-checking.

Heat and Cold ColumnCauses of Cold Hands and Feet: Korean Medicine Treatment Based on Skin Color Changes, Fatigue, and Digestive State

We categorize the causes of cold hands and feet into Raynaud's phenomenon, thyroid issues, and anemia, as well as Korean medicine perspectives such as lack of warmth and stagnation of Qi and blood, and explain herbal medicine and acupuncture treatments tailored to symptom combinations.

Heat and Cold ColumnMy hands and feet are freezing: If circulation enhancers weren't enough, what are the internal causes of coldness you should examine?

Rather than viewing it as a simple blood circulation problem, we analyze the causes of cold hands and feet from the perspective of overall body coldness (Han) and provide a checklist for self-assessment and a Korean medicine approach.

Medical GuideWhen my hands and feet are cold and chilly, should I only think of it as cold hypersensitivity (Sujok Naengjeung)?

Symptoms of cold hands and feet vary, even under the single term 'cold hypersensitivity' (sujok-naengjeung). By distinguishing between color changes, differences between sides, numbness, and general fatigue, and by examining digestion, sleep, and lower abdominal coldness when tests show no clear cause, we can determine if Korean medicine treatment is appropriate.

Medical GuideHow can I distinguish between hives, finger color changes, and coldness when exposed to cold?

Skin changes such as itching and swelling after cold exposure are considered cold urticaria; fingers and toes changing to pale, blue, or red are considered Raynaud's phenomenon; and a prolonged cold sensation without distinct skin changes is categorized under other types of cold sensations. Since these can overlap, photos and the sequence of occurrence must be reviewed together.

Comparison of similar terms

Korean Medicine ConceptHan-jeung

Cold syndrome (Han-jeung) refers to a tendency where various body signals lean toward a cold state. It is not a term used to describe diseases such as anemia, hypothyroidism, or vascular and nerve problems.

Conditions requiring differential diagnosisRaynaud Phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon is a vascular reaction where fingers or toes may turn white or blue and experience numbness or pain. It must be distinguished from simple cold hands and feet and evaluated at a medical institution.

Conditions requiring differential diagnosisPeripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, sensory loss, and burning sensations in the hands and feet. If the burning sensation in the soles persists or sensation becomes dull, do not dismiss it as a constitutional issue; you must have it confirmed at a medical institution.