The causes of disease in TCM Acupuncture
The causes of disease can be separated into External Causes and Internal Causes and we also look at other factors that can affect health during three main stages of life: pre-natal, childhood and adult life.
At the pre-natal stage, we typically think about Jing – Kidney Essence – deficiency being a factor in the growth and development of the foetus in the context that both parents should be in good health when they conceive. This will allow the foetus to receive strong Jing from the parents, otherwise it may be prone to a weak constitution.
Constitution
A person’s constitution is dependent on the health of their parent’s when they were conceived. The parent’s pass on their Jing – Essence – to their child so the stronger and healthier they are, the better the quality of their Jing is said to be.
Three main things affect this which include their health in general, the health at the time of conception and the mother’s health during pregnancy which can be affected by her age, any emotional shocks during the pregnancy and obviously drinking, smoking or drug use during pregnancy.
Whether a person has been born with a strong constitution or not, in either case their constitution can be weakened by excessive work, inadequate rest and excessive sexual activity as they will gradually deplete Kidney Qi (which is a combination of Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang) which is the foundational strength for the body.
Conversely, by cultivating Qi development through a balanced lifestyle, physical activity and exercise regimes such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong, the constitution can be maintained and strengthened.
In clinical practice, we assess the constitution by examining the tongue and pulse, asking questions about any childhood illnesses and also by observing the patient’s physical demeanour.
Diet
Diet plays a large role in clinical practice as it can affect may parts of the Zang-Fu system, and the production of Qi, Blood and Body Fluids. Malnutrition leads to a deficiency of Qi and Blood and also weakens the Spleen which plays a fundamental role in the production of Qi, Blood and Body Fluids.
Overeating taxes and weakens the Stomach and Spleen. Cold energy and raw foods can also weaken the Spleen, as Spleen Yang is used to breakdown the cold and raw foods.
Sweet and sugary foods block the Spleen function of transforming and transporting leading to the formation of damp and phlegm which then manifests in different parts of the body.
Hot energy foods introduce extra heat into the body give rise to heat patterns in the Liver and Stomach. Greasy and fried foods drain Spleen Yang and lead to the formation of Phlegm and Damp.
Eating under the wrong circumstances can interfere with the proper digestion of food and as the Stomach is the first organ to be involved in the process of digestion, this can strain the stomach and lead to Stomach disharmonies.
Excessive Sexual Activity
As reproduction in Chinese Medicine is seen as being related to the Kidneys, excessive sexual activity will therefore deplete the Kidneys and in turn deplete Kidney Jing.
As the Kidneys plays a crucial role in the production of Qi and Blood, sexual activity should be reduced if there are deficiencies of Qi and/or Blood present.
Fatigue and Overexertion
Fatigue and over exertion generally deplete Qi in the body. Mental overwork in the form of long working hours, working under stress, always being in a hurry etc. primarily affects the Spleen, Kidney and Stomach.
The Yin deficiency patterns arise due to its link to nutritive Qi which circulates in the internal organs and nourishes the body, which becomes drained in order to keep the body nourished.
The Brain is thought of as the Sea of Marrow. Marrow, which is produced by Kidney Jing, can also be weakened by mental overwork
Physical overwork (including excessive physical exercise) can weaken the muscles and tendons by not allowing them enough rest and recuperation.
Trauma
Physical trauma can lead to injuries that linger for a long time.
In the case of slight physical trauma this can lead to the local stagnation of Qi whilst in severe trauma it can lead to the stagnation of Blood.
Old traumas can lead to weakness that can later manifest as Bi Syndrome due to the invasion of External Pathogenic Factors such as Cold and Damp.
