The heart and kidneys depend upon each other for support, but they also control each other. The heart descends to the kidneys to provide warmth (kidneys are the fire for all physiological processes) and the kidneys ascend to the heart to prevent it from becoming hyperactive (the heart stores…

This is a constitutional pattern (you can be born with it) characterised by a lack of courage, timidity and poor decision making, that can then affect the way you live. It can also develop as a result of malnourishment, in particular from a protein deficient diet, or from diets…

This pattern doesn’t happen overnight. A fast-paced life, years of overwork, stress (financial or emotional), malnourishment (junk food and nutrient poor foods) combined with tension, intense worry, frustration, anger, hopelessness and depression deplete the yin of the kidney and the liver. Symptoms: Sallow complexion, brittle nails, dull occipital or…

A chronic condition involving spleen and kidney. Your spleen controls transportation and transformation, and kidney yang warms the spleen to support its functions. Yang deficiency in the spleen or kidneys will cause dysfunction of transportation and transformation, leading to loose stools, diarrhoea, stomach rumbling, chronic diarrhoea, and a cold…

This pattern is affiliated with autoimmune disorders (blood, chi and yin deficiencies), harmful or unmanageable stress, and the impact of violent movies and computer games on the mind. Causes include chronic anxiety or worry, prolonged periods of intense concentration; overexertion, drug abuse and excessive stimulation of the senses by…

This pattern is caused by relying on fast food for daily meals, but also by diets based primarily on cold and raw foods. Both cause spleen chi deficiency. Food is the basis for the formation of blood and when the spleen chi is deficient, not enough blood is produced…

This pattern is affiliated with hernia of the small intestine, colitis, food allergies and enteritis and is caused by stress, anger, frustration and resentment. A secondary cause is excessive consumption of cold and raw foods. Symptoms: Lower abdominal twisting pain which may extend to back, abdominal distention, dislike of…

This pattern is affiliated with urinary tract infection which can be caused by contamination or inadequate hygiene, overindulgence in fats, sweets or alcohol, or invasion of exterior damp and heat. Dampness obstructs the smooth flow of fluids and burning urination and dark urine is due to heat in the…

This pattern is affiliated with arrhythmia, bradycardia and PTSD and is caused by prolonged stress, excessive coffee and smoking, amphetamine / cocaine abuse, diet pills and shock or fright. In heart yang deficiency blood circulation is not promoted and shortness of breath aggravated by exertion will manifest. Heart yang…

This pattern is affiliated with candida infections, food allergies, enteritis, chronic dysentery and is caused by excessive consumption of cold and raw food, and difficulty in managing stress. Symptoms: Abdominal pain, desire for hot drinks and pressure on abdomen, stomach rumbling, diarrhoea, pale and abundant urination….