Glossary

Bi is obstruction of the circulation of Qi by elemental factors giving rise to pain. Originally a literal interpretation that working outside allowed Winds carrying pathogenic Cold, Damp or Heat into the channels giving rise to pain and damage to the joints, the concept is still useful insofar as it describes the condition as one that feels hot or cold, swollen (Damp) or moving (Wind), and is exacerbated by exposure to that element and responds to its opposite. Although it commonly refers to musculoskeletal problems with the implication that if the pathogen is removed the body can return to normal, subtypes exist for all manner of painful problems in varying degrees of severity and chronicity. These include:

• Bony Bi, where long term obstruction has generated Phlegm nodules on the bones, equivalent to arthritis
• Heart Bi or Chest Bi, where Blood Stasis or pathogens lodged in the Lung cause chest pain, equivalent to angina or pleurisy
• Throat Painful Obstruction that indicates a sore throat with difficulty swallowing.