Climate and Health

Chinese herbal doctors believe that our environment and our adaptability to the environment are key to our health. They conclude that there are 6 external environmental elements (the Six Evils) that we have to face:

	Wind Diseases caused by Wind usually happened on the upper and surface of the body. It also acts like the wind. The problem moves from different body parts, like the body rashes, and body aches. Because it is windy during spring, many "Wind" caused diseases will surface during spring time. Of course, there is wind all year round. Therefore, "Wind" caused problem is not just limited to the spring season.
	Cold "Cold Injury" usually happens during winter when the body is not well insulated. However, an exposure to water, rain or severe sweating, followed by "blowing of air" or "Wind" will cause "Cold Injury". Excessive drinking of cold fluid will also do damage. A "Cold injury" will make a person feel cold, and slow down the blood circulation which can get bruises easily. "Cold Injury" can hurt Yang and cause Yang to decline progressively.
	Heat Intensive summer heat can be damaging. "Heat" injures body Qi and Yin. It can cause easy perspiration and thirst. Left untreated, "heat" can depletes Yin fluid and cause lassitude and fatigue.
	Dampness Between summer and autumn, fog, rain and high humidity are prevalent. The Dampness evil can cause chills, fever, nasal congestions, loss of appetite, and pressure in the head. Since dampness is heavy, viscous, and difficult to excrete from the body, Dampness problems tend to remain for a while and take a long time to cure. People working around water and wearing damp clothing can also easily contract the Dampness evil.
	Dryness Autumn tend to be cool and the air is dry. During this period, blood and body fluids can be depleted by the "Dryness" evil and cause dry skin, dry and cracked lips, dryness of eyes, dry nose, thirst, constipation, and cough. Therefore, water and fruits are essential during autumn.
	Fire Fire is a form of Heat evil and usually results from the transformation of the other 5 evils. This is why Fire can appear all year round and it can also be a result of problems from heart, liver, and gallbladder.

Any of the above 6 evils can be combined with each other and form more complicated problems.

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