What does the term 'Deficiency-excess' indicate in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

The term 'Deficiency-excess' in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) refers to the dynamic balance between the body's internal resistance (defensive Qi) and external pathogens. This concept recognizes that health is maintained through the appropriate interaction and balance between these opposing forces.

In TCM, 'deficiency' typically refers to weak or insufficient Qi, Blood, or Yang, which can leave the body vulnerable to external pathogens such as wind, cold, heat, and dampness. 'Excess' refers to the presence of these pathogens that can disturb the body's natural harmony, leading to various health issues. Therefore, when discussing 'Deficiency-excess,' one is assessing how well a person's defensive mechanisms can combat or manage these external influences, which is essential for diagnosing and formulating treatment strategies.

This distinction is crucial for practitioners in TCM, as it helps them understand the underlying causes of a patient’s symptoms and informs the choice of treatment, whether it be nourishing the deficiency or eliminating the excess.