Left Leg Numbness and Cold Sensation: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Regarding the left leg, there is some numbness and a sensation of coldness?

Hello Dr.
Lu, due to my work, I have to operate a computer for long periods, and the position of the computer and desk has caused me to adopt a slightly left-leaning posture.
To avoid confusion in my description, I will outline the "occasional issues" according to the relevant acupoints (I am not familiar with acupuncture points).

For my calves: the areas around Chengjing, Chengshan, and Feiyang feel sore and numb, and occasionally I experience a spot-like cold sensation.
For my thighs: the areas around Huantiao, Fengshi, and Zhongdu have slight numbness and a spot-like cold sensation.
Additionally, my left trapezius muscle and the left side of my face, including the area below the cheekbone, the masseter, and Daying, feel a bit tense.
(Perhaps there is also soreness in the buttocks? I have heard other patients mention the area related to sciatica.)
These issues sometimes affect only my calves, sometimes both my calves and thighs, and very rarely do they all occur together.
When these symptoms arise, I deliberately continue to test my abilities: I can still touch my nose with my eyes closed without any issues, raise both arms without difficulty, stand on one leg without problems, and perform calf raises (with support or alternating up and down).
My left hand's finger movements and speech are normal; I feel some weakness but can still navigate stairs normally.

I am clearly aware of my posture issues, yet I have been unable to improve them.
However, I am most concerned about vascular problems.
Perhaps it is psychological; sometimes the more I think about it, the worse it seems.

I would greatly appreciate your advice and suggestions for relief.
Thank you, Dr.
Lu, for taking the time to clarify my concerns; I am truly grateful.

Mr. Zhang, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/05/30

Dr. Lü Bingcheng reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Mr.
Zhang described his symptoms very carefully, including numbness and a tingling sensation on the outer side of his left thigh and the back of his calf, as well as occasional soreness in his buttocks.
He also reported tightness in the left trapezius muscle and his left cheek.
As Mr.
Zhang mentioned, due to work requirements, he must operate a computer for long periods, and the positioning of the computer and desk has led to a left-leaning posture.
Indeed, improper computer placement and sitting posture can easily cause undue pressure on Mr.
Zhang's sciatic nerve over time, resulting in leg numbness and an abnormal cold sensation.
Poor posture, such as sitting with a tilted pelvis and craning his neck to view the screen, can naturally lead to shoulder and neck pain and stiffness.
It is recommended that Mr.
Zhang not only seek treatment from professional Western and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners but also address the root cause by positioning the computer monitor directly in front of him.
He should adjust the height of the keyboard and mouse to be near or on his thighs, allowing his shoulders to relax and keeping his elbows slightly above his wrists.
Additionally, it is advisable for Mr.
Zhang to choose a comfortable chair with ergonomic support for his back, ensuring proper support for his spine and neck.
He should also avoid prolonged sitting; it is recommended that he stand up and move around for about 5 to 10 minutes at least once every hour to promote circulation of qi and blood.
By making these changes to his work environment and posture, along with professional medical treatment, Mr.
Zhang should be able to recover his health quickly.

Reply Date: 2024/05/30

More Info

Understanding left leg numbness and cold sensations can be quite complex, especially when viewed through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Your symptoms, which include numbness and a cold sensation in the left leg, as well as tightness in the left shoulder and facial areas, suggest a possible imbalance in the body's energy flow, or "Qi," particularly in the meridians associated with the affected areas.

In TCM, the body is viewed as an interconnected system where the flow of Qi and blood is crucial for maintaining health. The symptoms you describe may indicate a blockage or stagnation in the meridians that run through the left side of your body. The areas you mentioned, such as the calf (承經, 承山, 飛陽) and thigh (環跳, 風市, 中瀆), are associated with the bladder and gallbladder meridians, which can be affected by prolonged sitting and poor posture, as you noted in your work environment.

Possible Causes
1. Qi and Blood Stagnation: Prolonged sitting and poor posture can lead to stagnation of Qi and blood, particularly in the lower body. This stagnation can manifest as numbness, tingling, or cold sensations in the legs.

2. Kidney Deficiency: In TCM, the kidneys are believed to govern the bones and support the lower back and legs. If there is a deficiency in kidney Qi, it may lead to weakness and cold sensations in the legs.

3. Liver Qi Stagnation: The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. Stress and poor posture can lead to liver Qi stagnation, which may contribute to the symptoms you are experiencing.

4. Nerve Compression: While TCM focuses on energy flow, it is also important to consider that prolonged poor posture can lead to physical nerve compression, which could explain the numbness and cold sensations.

Recommendations for Relief
1. Posture Correction: Adjust your workstation to ensure that your computer screen is at eye level and your chair supports your back properly. Your feet should be flat on the ground, and your knees should be at a 90-degree angle. This can help alleviate pressure on the nerves and improve circulation.

2. Regular Movement: Take breaks every hour to stand up, stretch, and walk around. This will help promote blood circulation and prevent stagnation.

3. Acupuncture: Consider seeking acupuncture treatment from a licensed practitioner. Acupuncture can help restore the flow of Qi and alleviate symptoms by targeting specific meridians associated with your symptoms.

4. Herbal Remedies: TCM offers various herbal formulations that can help tonify the kidneys, invigorate blood flow, and relieve Qi stagnation. Consult with a qualified herbalist or TCM practitioner for personalized recommendations.

5. Gentle Exercise: Engage in activities such as yoga or tai chi, which can help improve flexibility, posture, and overall energy flow in the body.

6. Mindfulness and Stress Management: Since you mentioned that psychological factors may contribute to your symptoms, incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

7. Consultation with Healthcare Professionals: If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a neurologist or orthopedic specialist, to rule out any underlying conditions such as nerve compression or vascular issues.

In summary, your symptoms of left leg numbness and cold sensations may be attributed to a combination of factors, including poor posture, Qi stagnation, and possibly kidney deficiency. By making adjustments to your work environment, incorporating regular movement, and seeking appropriate treatments, you can work towards alleviating these symptoms and improving your overall health.

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