The pernicious influences can invade the body from the outside, as an external influence manifesting as an acute illness. They can also emerge internally, in which case the appearance of symptoms may be more gradual and is usually associated with more chronic illnesses. Both sets of influences mimic climatic conditions and are treated accordingly. However, unlike in Western medicine, it is not the cause that determines the treatment. The treatment is always for the condition itself. The pernicious influence, as a cause, is unimportant.