In modern traditional Chinese medicine

pathogenic dampness is regarded as one of the six evils transformed by the six qi of the

tian

(heaven). It is endowed with the attribute of " the tendency of dampness is downward and easy to invade the Yin position" .This expression comes from

Su Wen

·

Tai

-

yin Yang

-

ming Theory

" For those who are hurt by dampness

their lower part of the body suffers first" . Inspired by statements in other chapters in

Huangdi Neijing

we reanalyzed this sentence

and found that the dampness here referred to the dampness from the earth

different from that of the six evils

in terms of concept

nature and pathogenic characteristics. The dampness of the ground easily hurt the skin and muscles

leading to muscle joint pains

amyotrophy

and cold limbs. In terms of treatment

it can be treated by following the principles of strengthening yang and dispelling dampness from

Synopsis of the Golden Chambersto

with method of inducing sweating and diuresis

with Atractylodis as the main medicine for its treatment.