TCM I: Interior - Exterior

Question 1

Exterior conditions

Answer 1

The differentiation is made on location, not aetiology

Exterior conditions:
* Affect the surface layers of the body (the skin and muscles). They are caused by the invasion of an exterior pathogenic factor (EPF), have an acute onset and a short duration
Symptoms:
* Aversion too cold
* Chills and fever
* Runny nose, congestion
* Headaches
* Sore throat
* Floating pulse

Question 2

Interior conditions

Answer 2

The differentiation is made on location, not aetiology

Interior conditions:
* Relate to the internal organs, coming from an EPF that has penetrated into the body, or from an internal cause of disharmony; gradual onset longer-lasting.
Symptoms:
* Symptoms of interior conditions are different for each organ

Question 3

Interior – Exterior Comparison table

Answer 3

Exterior:
Disease location: Superficial
Onset: Rapid
Aversion to cold: Aversion to cold with sweating
Tongue: Coating
Pulse: Superficial floating

Interior:
Disease location: Deep
Onset: Gradual
Aversion to cold: Various
Tongue: Coating / no coating
Pulse: Superficial or deep