Eatcm

The Chinese strongly believe that there are certain forces in the outside world which have an effect on our bodies and minds, it is said that when we are affected by such things this is when illness appears. Chinese medicine relies strongly on discovering these disharmonies and correcting them and when having done so our body is thought to be brought back into harmony and the symptoms are relieved.

The six external causes of disharmony

The Chinese also call this type of disharmony the six evils and they all relate to climatic conditions, when there is extreme cold, heat, wind, dampness or dryness the world around begins to suffer if these extremes are felt for any length of time. During these extremes, the Chinese believe that not only the environment is affected but also we become affected in addition and when we do, it shows as illness because our body becomes unbalanced.

Wind – wind is linked to spreading illness through the body and symptoms which the Chinese link to ill health caused by the wind are chills, fevers, colds, flu, headaches, nasal problems, dizziness and vertigo.

Cold – the cold weather causes havoc with our immune system and brings about illnesses such as respiratory infections, allergies, poor circulation, anaemia and problems with digestion.

Heat – conditions that are brought on or made worse by the hot weather include a high metabolic rate, hypertension, ulcers, inflammation of arthritic joints, the flu and problems with the skin such as allergies and rashes.

Dampness – symptoms caused by damp and wet weather include cysts, tumours, lumps, swellings and an increase in phlegm. Dryness – when it is too dry illnesses and problems occur such as, asthma, sinusitis, digestion and skin disorders and problems with the reproductive organs.

The seven internal causes of disharmony

Just as our surroundings cause our bodies disharmony, then so do problems associated with our feelings, these are known as the seven emotions and can be brought about by keepings are feelings suppressed, intense emotion or prolonged emotions.

Sadness – illnesses associated with sadness are depression, fatigue, a shortness of breath or problems related to asthma and allergies, cold and flu.

Grief – grief brings problems such as weakening the immune system, allergies, asthma and upper respiratory infections.

Pensiveness – digestive problems, problems associated with the spleen, a loss of appetite and extreme fatigue are all associated with worry and deep thought.

Fear – intense fear or paranoia can bring about disorders such as problems with the kidneys, the lower back or problems associated with the joints.

Fright – common ailments associated with fright are breathlessness or palpitations, problems with the kidneys and lower back and painful joints.

Anger – intense or prolonged anger brings out feelings of dizziness, hypertension, mental confusion and prolonged headaches.

Joy – excessive joy or over abundance can bring problems relating to the heart, conditions associated with hysteria, problems with concentration and sleep problems may arise.

Those who practice the art of Chinese medicine strongly believe that all these factors play a part on our health as they have an affect on the balance of our “Qi” which is the body’s organs internal energy. This energy should flow undisrupted throughout the body but can become blocked due to the factors listed above. When the “Qi” becomes disrupted or blocked the illness shows.