As a truly holistic approach to healing, TCM has comprehensive frameworks for tracing the interconnections between the state of our bodies and the conditions of our environment. Highlighting the ways in which the external mirrors the internal and vice versa, these frameworks help us better understand how to both cultivate balance and alignment for vibrant health. One of the best examples of these internal/external mirrors can be found in the six external pathogens, referring to not only external environmental factors, but also to internal patterns of disharmony. Alternately referred to as the “Six Evils” or “Six Pernicious Influences,” these forces can disturb the balance of Qi (life force energy) and lead to illness.
Thought to enter the body from the environment and cause internal disharmony, we are given clues about the specific pathogenic factors at play through symptoms and seasonal affinities. During Autumn, we are especially susceptible to Dryness, which tends to affect the Lungs, leading to respiratory issues like dry coughs, sore throat, and shortness of breath. It also affects the Skin through its overall impact on bodily fluids, and compromises digestion, which can express as constipation (resulting in the reabsorption of toxins).
Herbal Support: Because Dryness is a force that depletes the body’s natural moisture, we turn to Yin tonics that nourish our bodily fluids, like blood, plasma, lymph, mucous membranes etc. One of the very best herbs to mitigate Dryness is Tremella, rich in polysaccharides that have a special talent for promoting deep hydration. It also has an affinity for the Lungs, Skin, and digestive system.
Wind is considered the primary pathogenic factor, because while the others are seasonal or climate-specific, Wind is present all year long. Additionally, the other external pathogens utilize Wind as a carrier; when Wind invades, the body's defensive capabilities are weakened, allowing disease-causing pathogens into our bodies; it then channels the movement of these pathogens so that they can effectively attack and injure Qi. Wind invasion is associated with sudden, fast-moving symptoms like colds, flus, and allergies, but it also plays a foundational role in chronic health issues.
Herbal Support: In physiological terms, when Wind invades, the pores in our skin become “loose,” allowing pathogens to enter. In TCM, this phenomenon is understood in a more energetic sense of compromised Wei Qi (the conceptual shield guarding our bodies). Astragalus is one of the most renowned herbs for fortifying the Wei Qi—our first line of defense.
The Winter season predictably leaves us most susceptible to Cold, associated with internal contraction and the slowing down of bodily functions. It is thought to congeal and restrict movement in the body, leading to compromised Qi/Blood flow. Cold causes pain, stiffness, and chills. It also commonly affects the joints, leading to aches, or the digestive system, causing cramping and diarrhea. Meanwhile, poor circulation and Qi deficiency or stagnation lead to a variety of more serious health issues when left unattended.
Herbal Support: To combat Cold, we turn to herbs that warm the body, nourish Qi, and support Yang. Many of the best choices are traditional kitchen staples like ginger, cinnamon, and garlic. Cordyceps, Deer Antler Velvet, and Astragalus are particularly beneficial tonic herb options.
Dampness is another external pathogen that is pervasive as an internal pattern of disharmony often resulting from suboptimal dietary norms, especially in the West. Indeed, TCM pro-metabolic dietary guidance is centered on minimizing the occurrence of Dampness (limit cold and raw foods, eat seasonally, avoid greasy foods, etc.). Dampness is associated with heaviness, sluggishness, and a sense of being weighed down. It is also common in humid or wet climates and tends to affect people with weakened digestion or immunity.
Herbal Support: Eleuthero (aka Siberian Ginseng) is an herb that supports metabolism and helps to combat fatigue. Its acrid, slightly bitter, and warming flavors points to its propensity for supporting digestion, transforming Dampness, and enhancing circulation.
Predominantly linked to Summer, Heat/Fire is a pathogenic force that represents excess warmth, inflammation, and overactivity in the body. It can also invade through diet (excessive spice, fried foods, or alcohol), emotional stress (especially unresolved anger), lifestyle (over-productivity and lack of rest), or environmental factors (prolonged exposure to high temperatures). Symptoms include a red complexion, red eyes, sore throat, fever, thirst, irritability, constipation, dark yellow urine, and inflammation. Emotionally, Fire may cause restlessness or even mania if it strongly impacts the Heart.
Herbal Support: Cooling, nourishing to Yin, and calming to the Spirit, Pearl is an ideal choice to balance Heat/Fire. It helps regulate Shen (housed in the Heart), promotes restorative sleep cycles, supports us in overcoming fatigue, and is even indicated for those quick to anger.
Summer Heat is an external pathogen that’s most common to the Late Summer season, as a combination of Heat and Dampness. It is characterized by many of the same symptoms as Heat/Fire, as well as heat stroke, profuse sweating, fatigue, dizziness, heartburn, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Rebalancing requires draining Dampness and clearing excess Heat, which can be efficiently done with acupuncture.
Herbal Support: Yin/Yang balancing herbs like Schizandra and Rose are especially helpful here. Rose is bitter, which has a cleansing action on the body by clearing excess Heat, drying Dampness, and supporting detoxification. It’s also sweet, pointing to its replenishing actions and ability to slow down acute reactions. Schizandra has all five flavors, pointing to its profoundly multifaceted support, including as an adaptogen that regulates our stress response.
