Ben and Biao

Question 1

What are Ben and the Biao?

Answer 1

Ben is the “root” of a condition, focusing on the underlying cause.
Biao is the “outward manifestation,” or symptoms of a condition.
Each has different treatment strategies depending on the context.

Question 2

List some characteristics associated with the Ben

Answer 2

Aetiology: The origin of a condition.

Upright (Zheng) Qi: Associated with supporting health.

Chronic or Original Condition: Represents a long-term or initial syndrome.

Question 3

List some characteristics associated with the Biao

Answer 3

Pathology: Symptomatic response to a condition.

Unhealthy (Xie) Qi: Represents pathogenic influences.

Acute or Later Condition: Often reflects symptoms that appear as the condition progresses.

Question 4

What does “Same Ben different Biao” and “Different Ben same Biao” mean?

Answer 4

These phrases mean that:

The same root (ben) can produce different symptoms (biao).

Different roots (ben) can lead to similar symptoms (biao).

Question 5

When might you treat only the Ben rather than the Biao?

Answer 5

Treating only the Ben is appropriate when the root cause is the main focus for long-term health, and symptoms are not severe enough to require immediate relief.

Question 6

When should both Ben and Biao be treated simultaneously?

Answer 6

Treat both ben and biao when both the root and the symptoms need attention for effective management, especially in cases where symptoms impact the patient’s quality of life.

Question 7

When should you treat the Biao first, then address the Ben?

Answer 7

Treating the Biao first is suitable in acute conditions where symptom relief is urgent, and the root can be addressed once immediate symptoms are managed.

Question 8

When should you support Upright (Zheng) Qi and when should you expel Unhealthy (Xie) Qi?

Answer 8

Support Zheng Qi to strengthen the body’s defences.

Expel Xie Qi to remove pathogens causing symptoms.
Do both, either by:

1) Tonifying Zheng Qi first, then expelling Xie Qi.

2) Expelling Xie Qi first, then tonifying Zheng Qi.

3) Doing both simultaneously.

Question 9

When should you tonify, reduce, or use even technique?

Answer 9

1) Tonify: To support Upright (Zheng) Qi.

2) Reduce: To expel Unhealthy (Xie) Qi.

3) Even Technique: To expel Unhealthy (Xie) Qi when Upright (Zheng) Qi is not very strong.