Raynaud's phenomenon (adjunctive care)
Also known as: raynaud's phenomenon, raynaud's disease, cold fingers, white fingers
Raynaud's is an exaggerated spasm of small blood vessels in the fingers and toes, turning them white, blue then red in the cold. Keeping warm is the core strategy; severe cases may need medication. New-onset Raynaud's should be checked by a GP to rule out connective tissue disease. Chinese medicine sees it as Yang deficiency with cold in the channels, or Blood stasis.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Keep your whole body warm, not just your hands — a warm core keeps fingers warmer.
- •Stop smoking; nicotine constricts blood vessels.
- •Avoid sudden cold exposure; warm up the car and wear gloves for the freezer aisle.
- •Rewarm gently — avoid very hot water on numb fingers.
- •Ask your GP about medicines like calcium channel blockers if attacks are frequent or severe.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •New or one-sided Raynaud's needs medical assessment before adjunctive care.[]
- •Take great care with moxa on fingers that have reduced sensation.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Track attack frequency and severity through winter; review for ulcers at each visit; refer back if skin changes appear.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- NHS · 2024
- Arthritis Australia · 2024
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.