This pattern is affiliated with binge eating, and caused by overeating, eating too quickly (as a habit), eating in a hurry because you are pressed for time; worrying while eating, or eating too close to bedtime or having a heavy meal right before bed. It can also be caused…

This pattern affiliated with haemorrhoids, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic gastritis and is caused by irregular meals, unhealthy eating habits, overwork, constant rushing or eating while working or on the run. Symptoms: Chronic diarrhoea, prolapse anus, haemorrhoids, tiredness after bowel movements, cold limbs, no appetite, mental exhaustion, desire to drink…

This pattern is caused by underdressing in cold weather, especially leaving the abdomen area exposed. It can also be caused by sitting on cold and wet surfaces for prolonged periods of time. The exterior cold invades the large intestine and interferes with the movement of chi in the lower…

Caused by excessive consumption of hot (this is an energetic quality not food temperature) foods (lamb, beef and alcohol) and dry foods eg broiled or baked meat. Symptoms: Constipation with dry stools, burning sensation in the mouth, dry tongue, burning and swelling in the anus, scanty dark urine….

This pattern is affiliated with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colonic mucosa and is caused by overconsumption of hot (this is an energetic quality not food temperature) and greasy foods, or chronic sadness and anxiety. If these causes are combined, the pattern is worse. These factors…

This pattern is common in middle-aged and older people. It is a chronic condition of phlegm in the lungs caused by over-exertion and poor diet over a long period of time which has impaired the spleen’s function of transforming and transporting fluids. In TCM the spleen produces phlegm and…

The factors that cause this pattern are stress, relentless pressure and overwork in combination with unhealthy compensatory behaviours, such as smoking for stress management or high-pressure business lunches with excessive consumption of hot (this is an energetic quality not actual temperature), spicy and greasy foods. These affect the spleen’s…

The lifestyle factors contributing to this pattern include high stress levels and worry over finance or deadlines; constant pressure, overwork, an unhealthy diet, and sleep deprivation. This affects the spleen’s ability to transform and transport fluids which then forms phlegm. As your spleen is a major organ involved in…

This pattern is caused by exposure to climatic wind and heat, but also by central heating or other artificial sources of heat in workplaces such as kitchens or foundries. Symptoms: Cough, fever, aversion to cold, sore throat, stuffed or runny nose with yellow mucus, headache, body aches, slight sweating,…

This pattern is the common cold. In Chinese medicine it is due weakness of the body’s chi in relation to pathogenic factors such as exposure to wind and cold. This pattern can also be caused by too-cold air-conditioning weakening the body’s chi; or activities such as working out inside…