Psychosomatics of Raynaud's
Raynaud's is a condition where blood does not reach the fingers and toes properly: they go white, blue, numb and painful in the cold or when you are anxious. It is common, usually without serious problems, and warmth eases it. Sometimes it is a sign of another illness, so you need a doctor. The Ladder method adds questions about where you "freeze" inside, and it does not replace a doctor.
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When to see a doctor
A GP or rheumatologist makes the diagnosis: they examine the hands and, if needed, order tests to rule out other conditions. The NHS advises seeing a doctor if attacks are very bad or getting worse, affect daily life, are on one side only, or if a child is under 12. If a medicine is needed, a doctor prescribes it.
In the Ladder method
In the Ladder method Raynaud's is not explained as "you are cold" or "you shut yourself off". You are not to blame. The cause is in the blood flow, and a doctor and check-ups come first. Questions to yourself belong alongside them, not instead of them.
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In the method hands and fingers fit the image of "warmth and connection": where you freeze, close up and do not reach out to people. It is an image, not the cause, and it does not replace treatment.
On the ladder this shows up as the steps "I am afraid to open up" and "I do not ask for warmth and help". You can work through them at your own pace alongside treatment.
These are questions for reflection, not an explanation of what causes the condition and not a treatment.
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How it shows up
Book a doctor’s appointment if you notice:
- Fingers go white in the cold
- Fingers turn blue
- Redness when the blood returns
- Numbness and pins and needles
- Pain in the fingers
- An attack when you are anxious
What medicine knows
The NHS says that in Raynaud's the blood flow to the fingers and toes is temporarily disrupted. The skin may turn white, then blue, and red when the blood returns. An attack lasts from a few minutes to a few hours.
An attack is set off by cold, and also by anxiety and stress, so many women notice it before something stressful. Sometimes Raynaud's is caused by another condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, by some medicines, or by working with vibrating tools. Anxiety itself is not considered the cause of the condition.
Signs according to the NHS: a change in finger colour (white, blue, red), pain, numbness, pins and needles. Sometimes the ears, nose, lips and nipples are affected.
What helps according to the NHS: keeping your home warm, wearing warm clothes, especially on hands and feet, avoiding sudden changes in temperature, moving, trying breathing exercises or yoga, not smoking, less caffeine. If symptoms are severe, a doctor may prescribe a medicine that improves blood flow.
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Frequently asked questions
Can Raynaud's be from nerves?
Anxiety can set off an attack, but it is not considered the cause of the condition itself. It is linked to how blood vessels react to cold and sometimes to other conditions or medicines (NHS). A doctor should examine you.
What does Raynaud's mean in psychosomatics?
There is no proven "meaning". In the Ladder method it becomes a reason to ask yourself where you freeze inside and do not ask for warmth. It is a question to yourself, not a diagnosis.
Is Raynaud's dangerous?
Usually not, and warmth eases it (NHS). But it can be a sign of another condition, so show your fingers to a doctor, especially if attacks are severe, on one side only or started after 30.
Related topics
Psychosomatics does not replace tests and treatment. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.