Analysis of Coldness of the Limbs by Measuring Surface Body Temperature Using an Infrared Thermometer / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Cold sensation of the limbs is a common complaint for which patients seek treatment with Kampo medicine. However, some patients complain of coldness of the limbs despite maintaining normal skin temperature. We studied this condition and its association with ki (energy), ketsu (blood), and sui (body fluids) by measuring surface body temperatures.Methods: Using an infrared thermometer, we measured the surface body temperature of 98 female patients during their first examinations at our clinic. We classified the patients according to the season of their examination and the presence of the abnormalities of ki, ketsu, and sui ; subsequently, we statistically analyzed these findings.Results: No statistical difference was observed in the surface body temperature of the patients with complaints of coldness (Pw/C), and those without such complaints (Pw/oC). However, under particular conditions, the surface body temperature of Pw/C was observed to be higher than that of Pw/oC. In the presence of “ki deficiency” and “sui accumulation,” the surface body temperatures were lower than in the absence of the ki and sui abnormalities, respectively. In contrast, the surface body temperature was higher in patients with the “oketsu (blood stasis) syndrome” than in those without the “oketsu syndrome”.Discussion: Although the dissociation between the subjective cold sensation and actual skin temperature is present only in limited conditions, the presence of this dissociation indicates that factors other than the surface body temperature such as the abnormalities of ki, ketsu, and sui may also determine cold sensation.Conclusion: It is important to treat Pw/C by taking into account their state of coldness and the abnormalities of ki, ketsu, and sui. Measuring surface body temperature using an infrared thermometer appears to be an effective method for analyzing cold sensation of the limbs.