Roots of Disharmony: Causes of Disease in Chinese MedicineAncient Chinese Medicine did not recognize viruses or bacteria as triggers of disease or disorders. Of course, since Chinese medicine is a very pragmatic medicine, if the Chinese had know of viruses and bacteria it would have become part ofthe diagnostic system.Instead, Chinese traditional medicine recognizes influences, which cause disharmony in yin/yang, the Essential Substances, the Organ Systems, and the Channels.The Six Pernicious Influences Heat, Cold, Wind, Dampness, Dryness and Summer Heat are External climatic forces that can invade the body and create disharmony inthe mind/body/spirit. For example, if you are exposed to excess Heat or Cold orWind for a long time, or if you are exposed to such Influences when your body is already weak, you may develop an illness. This illness, triggered by ExternalInfluences, can migrate inward and become more serious as a slight cold may become pneumonia. This happens when the External Pernicious Influences overpower thebodys natural protection against disease.Cold When hypothermia hits a skier or a mountain climber, musclemotion becomes slow and awkward, fatigue sets in, the body shutssame effect that the Cold Pernicious Influence has it saps theakes movements cumbersome. The tongue becomes pale; the pulse ismay develop a fear of cold and feel like sleeping in a curled upis yin and when it invades the body it chills all or part of it.its eased by warmth.

control fades,down. Thats thebodys energy and mslow. A personposition. ColdIf theres pain,

When External Cold attacks the body, acute illness may develop, along with chills, fever and body aches. When the External C old moves inward and becomes an Interior disharmony it is associated with a chronic condition that produces a paleface, lethargy an d grogginess, a craving for heat and sleeping for longer thanusual periods of time.Summer Heat disorders feel like you ve been playing tennis for two hours in theblazing sun. You re weary and at the same time, strangely cranked up. You cant stop talking about the game, but your words stick in your mouth. You dont feel likeyourself again until you cool down and quench your thirst.Heat disorders cause overactive yang functions or insufficient yin functions. They are generally associated with bodily heat, a red face, hyperactivity and talkativeness, fever, and thirst for cold liquids and a rapid pulse. Symptoms include carbuncles and boils, dry mouth and thirst. Confused speech and delirium arisewhen Heat attacks the Shen.Dampness: Think about what happens to your backyard when it rains for two days it becomes soggy and water collects in stagnant pools. That is how Dampness affects the body. Damp pain is heavy and expansive. Dampness blocks the flow of lifeenergy and causes a stuffy chest and abdomen. When External Dampness invades, itenters the Channels and causes stiff joints and heavy limbs. When Dampness invades the Spleen, it can cause upset stomach, nausea, a lack of appetite, a swollen abdomen and diarrhea. Interior Dampness caused by either the penetration of External Dampness to the Interior or by a breakdown in the Spleens transformation of fluids is associated with mucous, which in Chinese medicine is more than simply bodily secretions. It is produced when the Spleen or Kidney is beset with disharmony and can cause obstructions and produce tumors, coughing, and if it invades the Shen, can lead to erratic behavior and insanity. Once Dampness has taken root, it is hard to displace.Dryness is a frequent partner with Heat; just think about the cracked bottom ofa dried up riverbed. But where Heat creates redness and warmth, Dryness creates

evaporation and dehydration. External Dryness invading the body may create respiratory problems such as asthmatic breathing and a dry cough, acute pain and fever.Summer Heat feels like the humid, oppressive weather that creates the Dog Days of August. It attacks the body after exposure to extreme heat and causes a suddenhigh fever and total lethargy. It is always an External influence and often arises along with Dampness.Wind animates the body, stirring it from repose into motion just as wind moves the leaves of a tree. When Wind enters the body, it is usually joined to anotherinfluence such as Cold. If the body is infiltrated by Wind, the first symptoms usually appear on the skin, in the lungs, or on the face. Tics, twitches, fear ofdrafts, headaches and a stuffed-up nose are symptoms. When External Wind invades the body more deeply, it can cause seizures, ringing in the ears and dizziness.