Statistical Analysis ofHie(Cold Sensation) andHiesho(Cold Disorder) in Kampo Clinic

Abstract

A cold sensation (hie) is common in Japanese women and is an important treatment target in Kampo medicine. Physicians diagnose patients as havinghiesho(cold disorder) whenhiedisturbs their daily activity. However, differences betweenhieandhieshoin men and women are not well described.Hiecan be of three types depending on body part where patients feelhie. We aimed to clarify the characteristics of patients withhieandhieshoby analyzing data from new patients seen at the Kampo Clinic at Keio University Hospital between 2008 and 2013. We collected information about patients’ subjective symptoms and their severity using visual analogue scales. Of 4,016 new patients, 2,344 complained abouthieand 524 of those were diagnosed withhiesho.Hiewas most common in legs/feet and combined with hands or lower back, rather than the whole body. Almost 30% of patients withhiefelt upper body heat symptoms like hot flushes. Cold sensation was stronger inhieshothannon-hieshopatients. Patients withhiehad more complaints. Men withhieshohad the same distribution ofhieand had symptoms similar to women. The results of our study may increase awareness ofhieshoand help doctors treathieand other symptoms.