Six External Pathogens (Liu-Yin)

pathology

TCM describes external causes of disease as six “climatic” factors: wind, cold, summer heat, dampness, dryness, and fire (heat). Wind is considered the “chief” of pathogens; it often brings in the others and causes rapid, fluctuating symptoms. Cold constricts and damages yang; dampness is heavy and sticky; dryness depletes body fluids; and heat/fire causes fever and inflammation. Understanding the nature of the pathogen determines the treatment method—warming, cooling, drying, or moistening.