The theory of TCM differs significantly from that of conventional medicine. Conventional medicine tends to emphasize the biochemical and cellular aspects of pathology, whereas TCM emphasizes the macroscopic relationships present between different bodily systems. TCM views the body, mind and spirit as interconnected. Any change in one part of the organism necessarily affects the whole. The internal cause of disease is emotional upset.
Any emotional imbalance affects the movement of qi.
However, the excessive and long-standing imbalances manifest most clearly in disease patterns. Emotional factors are not to be taken lightly, as they are one of the most frequent causes of disease. For example, excessive upward movement of qi can result in vomiting or headaches. Excessive downward movement of qi can result in diarrhea or incontinence. Excessive scattering of qi can result in weakness and palpitations.