The basics of Exterior-Interior

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The term " Exterior " refers to the head, the neck, the arms, the legs, the

skin, the muscles, and the meridians (rough translation pathways of energy)

being affected.

 

" Interior " means that the trunk of the body and the internal organs are

affected.

 

Some of the possible manifestations of Exterior problems are some headaches,

nasal and sinus congestion and flow, stiff neck, stiff muscles, arthritic

and rheumatic pains, muscle cramps, sneezing, and tickling in the throat.

 

An Excess condition is one in which problems are caused by there being too

much of something. Too much cold, dampness, and/or wind can cause arthritic

pain and other problems to increase. Too many spicy foods can cause Excess

Heat. Being outside for too long in excessively cold weather can cause

hypothermia. Very hot summer temperatures can cause heat exhaustion or even

heat stroke.

 

In contrast, Deficiency problems are caused by there not being enough of

something the person needs. A person who lacks enough Yang energy (which

warms the body) will feel cold because there is a lack of warming Yang

energy. A person who is Qi (roughly translated as " energy " ) Deficient lacks

energy, and if the Protective Qi in particular is deficient, will lack

resistence to infections and to weather condtions. A person who is Yin

(cools the body) Deficient will feel too hot and have trouble cooling down.

 

In TCM, problems like Qi Stagnation (the energy is not flowing smoothly),

Blood Stasis (the Blood is not flowing smoothly), and Phlegm (Dampness that

has stagnated so long it has congeled into Phlegm) are classified as Excess

problems.

 

It is possible for a person to have both Excess and Deficiency problems at

the same time as well as for a person to have both Exterior and Interior

problems at the same time.

 

Victoria

 

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