Exterior pattern

The manifestation of disease in the exterior of the body, caused by any of the six excesses entering the body’s exterior. Exterior pattern is characterized by sudden onset and by aversion to cold (or the milder aversion to wind), heat effusion, headache, a thin tongue fur, and a floating pulse. Other possible signs are headache, nasal congestion, and aching pain in the limbs and joints. Exterior patterns vary according to the offending evil and its strength in relation to that of right qì. Wind accompanied by cold or heat is the most common cause; summerheat, dampness, and dryness are less common. Distinction is made between exterior cold, exterior heat, exterior vacuity, and exterior repletion. Exterior patterns are treated by sweating to expel the evil from the body.