Disharmony of Dampness in the body

Name(s): 
Damp pernicious influence on health
Nature 
[Dampness] is one of the six pernicious influences on the health of the body within the Chinese medical framework. [Dampness] is like [Cold], but may be distinguished by heaviness and protraction whereas [Cold] is sharp, sudden and intense. The nature of [Dampness] is to sink and accumulate. It appears as swelling and a sense of fullness and heaviness, locally or throughout the body. because of its tendency to collect and coagulate, [Dampness] easily causes stagnation and obstruction of ciruculation. Secretions are cloudy, thick or sticky rather than clear and watery.

As an external influence, [Dampness] obstructs the movement of [Qi], producing fullness of chest or abdomen and incomplete urination or defaecation. It causes stiffness in the joints and heaviness in the limbs. The lower body is especially affected. The [Spleen] is especially sensitive to [Dampness]; signs of a distressed [Spleen] are loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, diarrhoea and swollen abdomen. Spleen dysfunction may allow [Fluids] to accumulate, creating a state of internal [Dampness], which is distinguished from external [Dampness] by arriving less suddenly and with less acuteness. Mucous ([tan]) is a form of internal [Dampness].

Value(s) 
Type 
(J) Problems under consideration