How the Body Stops an Intruder
The Theory of the Six Divisions (from the classicShang Han Lun) describes how an external disease (Cold) enters the body layer by layer if it is not stopped.
- Tai Yang (The Outer Wall):The first line of defense. Symptoms: chills, stiff neck, sneezing. (Here we help with sweating.)
- Yang Ming (The Courtyard):The illness has arrived and is turning into a fever. Symptoms: high fever, sweating, and extreme thirst. (We need to cool down here.)
- Shao Yang (The Hinge):The disease is somewhere between the inner and outer. Symptoms: alternating hot and cold sensations, a bitter taste. (Here we harmonize).
- Tai Yin (The Storeroom):The disease affects the digestive system (spleen). Symptoms: cold stomach, diarrhea, vomiting. (Here we warm up.)
- Shao Yin (The Heart of the Home):The disease affects vitality (heart/kidney). Symptoms: extreme fatigue, wanting only to sleep, feeling icy cold. (Here we must save vitality.)
- Jue Yin (The Last Fortress):Complex and dangerous. Symptoms: chaos of heat and cold, exhaustion.
Insight:This map helps TCM practitioners to see exactly how deep an illness is and what strategy is needed.