Exterior and Interior

Exterior and interior relate to the depth of the diseased and generalize the development of the disease.  Exterior syndromes refer to diseases resulting from invasion of the superficial portion by exogenous pathogenic factors and are marked by sudden onset with short duration. Chief manifestations are intolerance to cold (or wind), fever, headache, nasal obstruction and floating pulse.

Interior syndromes may result from transmission of exogenous pathogenic factors to the interior, or they may be caused by direct attack on zangfu organs by exogenous pathogenic factors. Dysfunction of zangfu organs is also among the causes of interior syndromes.

Both exterior and interior syndromes may be complicated by cold, heat, deficiency, or excess and their clinical manifestations vary. Exterior syndromes are usually mild and superficial. Interior syndromes are mostly severe and deep.

Key Words: Exterior, interior