How do "excess" and "deficiency" patterns differ in TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the differentiation between excess and deficiency patterns is crucial for diagnosing and treating various health conditions. Excess patterns typically manifest with strong symptoms, reflecting an overabundance of Qi, Blood, or body fluids, or the presence of pathogenic factors that disturb the body's harmonious functioning. These strong symptoms may include intense pain, swelling, acute onset of illness, and signs of heat such as fever or irritability.

Conversely, deficiency patterns are characterized by weak or subtle symptoms. This indicates a lack of sufficient Qi, Blood, or Yin, leading to symptoms that may be more chronic in nature, with a focus on fatigue, pallor, spontaneous sweating, and signs of cold like a preference for warmth. These symptoms are less immediate and can be more insidious, reflecting an underlying weakness in the body's vital substances or yang energy.

Understanding these distinctions allows practitioners to accurately assess a patient's condition and tailor treatments accordingly, using appropriate herbs, acupuncture strategies, and dietary recommendations. Hence, the association of strong symptoms with excess patterns and weak symptoms with deficiency patterns is fundamental in TCM diagnostics.