Disharmony in one element will create disharmony in others according to these cycles. Another way to see disharmony is according to the Pathogenic Factors. Then, the treatment plan is simple - strengthen what is weak, cool the hot, moisten the dry, and so forth. Simply put, too much or too little. These terms describe both the disease and the patient.
Sudden illness is excess.
Chronic illness suggests deficiency. Symptoms of excess are stronger or more pronounced than those caused by deficiency. Diseases caused by deficiency, emotion, or stagnation are Interior. Airborne viruses, bacterial infections, or other pestilential diseases are Exterior. Exterior diseases can penetrate the body and become Interior disease.