The Internal Factors 

The internal factors affecting our health can be imbalance of mood and emotion, the retention of water and phlegm, stagnant blood and energy flow, infection, bad diet and malnutrition. They can result in internal excesses of wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness and fire. The symptoms of internal excesses are slightly different than external excesses. But when external excesses are not treated, it can become internal and cause chronic illnesses that are difficult to treat.

Chinese medicine emphasizes treating the root of problems instead of just treating the symptoms. Therefore, effective treatment highly depends on the correct diagnosis of the conditions and causes. It is common to find Chinese doctors not only treating the deceased organs but the whole body in order to achieve permanent cure.   

Food is fundamental to internal health. Eating food according to a one's body constitution and health conditions and in harmony with the climate is fundamental to staying well. Besides the nutritional and functional aspects, food can also affect our mood and emotion. Too much hot or yang foods can bring about too much heat and excitement. Too much cold or yin foods can cause sadness and fearfulness. Foods that are neutral in nature are good for everyone and can promote clear thinking and reasoning.