In many cases, the condition begins with feelings of numbness. The affected area often turns white (called pallor) because of decreased blood flow and then may turn blue because the area is not getting enough oxygen. Swelling also may occur and the patient may lose feeling in the affected area. When the area is warmed or stress is relieved, blood flow resumes causing the area to turn red. At this point, symptoms may include throbbing or prickling pain.
Symptoms of Raynaud's Disease in TCM:
1. Syndrome of Yang Deficiency and Cold Accumulation
Main Symptoms: Cold sensation in the infected limbs, pale, purple, red color and numb and pricking sensation in the skin of the fingers by exposure to cold,the skin color turned normal with disappearance of pain after warmth, accompanied by cold sensation in the limbs, soreness and weakness in the lumbus and leg, slightly red tongue, thin and whitish coating, deep and slow pulse.
2. Stasis and Stagnation of Blood Collaterals
Main Symptoms: Blue purple or purple red color in the extremities for a long time, cold, numb and painful sensation in the skin, or deformed nail, dark tongue, or with purple spots, thready and hesitant pulse.
3. Accumulation of Dampness and Hea
Main Symptoms: Swelling in the infected area with superficial ulcer or gangrene, serious pain, accompanied by fever, dry mouth, bitter taste in the mouth, constipation, brown urine, reddened tongue, thin and yellowish coating, slippery and rapid or wiry and rapid pulse.