Kampo Medicine for the Treatment of Hié (Cold Hypersensitivity) and Pain

Abstract

Hié or cold hypersensitivity is a form of thermal hyperalgia that is predominantly localized to hands and feet. It is a subjective symptom that has no clear conception in Western medicine. The pathological process underlying cold hypersensitivity includes various factors such as impaired peripheral circulation in response to cold exposure, decrease in thermogenesis due to age, lifestyle habits such as nutritional deficiency anemia, lack of exercise, and chronic stress, and other organic causes. Modern times have witnessed an increase in cold hypersensitivity among young females. In traditional Oriental medicine, this condition is defined as mibyo or pre-disease state that is classified into five types on the basis of Kampo treatment. Clinically, cold hypersensitivity and painful states are intimately correlated such that cold hypersensitivity is often considered to exacerbate pain. Representative Kampo medicine for the treatment of cold hypersensitivity and pain include tokishigyakukagoshuyushokyoto and bushi.