Page 31 - Study Report_PH Amila Nishani Piyasingha

the body are related. The meridian is a general term used to include

both meridians and their collaterals. Meridians are tracks, virtual vertical

trunk lines that generally ran for the most part through the deeper parts
of the body. The term of collaterals implies a network, running mainly

through the more superficial parts of the body. Meridians have specific

routes, while collaterals criss-cross to reach and connect every part of
the body. Hence the meridian system makes the body an organic

whole.

Etiology

There are many factors that can cause diseases, including the six

exopathic factors, seven emotional factors, and improper diet,
overstrain and overease. In order to further understand the nature and

pathogenic character of pathogenic factors, ancient TCM practitioners

classified pathogenic factors.

The Six Exopathogenic Factories

Wind, cold, summer, heat, Dampness, Dryness, Fire

Pathogenesis

Pathogenesis is the mechanism of onset, development and change of
a disease. The onset, development and change of diseases are related

to the strength and physique of the patient and the nature of the

pathogenic factors. Pathogenesis includes two aspects, the attack
mechanism and basic pathogenesis.