Physical exertion and exercise According to TCM theory, normal and regular physical exercises, combined with adequate

rest, are very important for health, because they build up the constitution and help prevent disease. However, overstrain or excessive exercise, or indeed any excessive physical or mental activity, may deplete the energy generally, including the Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang, leading to weakening of the bodys Defensive Qi. This leaves the body more vulnerable to the invasion of External factors, and to dysfunction of the Zang-Fu organs. For instance, over study will deplete the energy in the Brain. Since according to TCM the Brain substance is formed from the Marrow, which derives from the Kidney-Essence, if there is mental exhaustion then the Kidney-Essence will in turn gradually be depleted, leading to lack of nourishment of the Brain and lower back and symptoms such as headache and lower back pain follow. This is the reason why many intellectuals and students suffer from chronic headaches and lower back pain even if they are very conscientious about the degree of physical exertion and sexual activity they undertake. In addition, over-heavy labour or making the same physical movements for long periods may lead to weakness and strain of the muscles and tendons in the locality; Qi and Blood circulation will also be impaired. For example, builders often suffer from low back pain due to frequent lifting of too-heavy loads, and players

of some sports suffer overexertion of their elbows, causing tennis elbow. The other extreme, of too little exertion, or living an excessively comfortable life with lack of physical exercise, can also be a causative factor in pain. According to TCM, this is because these habits may: slow down the Qi and Blood circulation weaken the functions of the Spleen and Stomach soften the muscles, Tendons and Bones. All these effects may eventually cause Qi and Blood to stagnate, leading to the development of Damp, weakness in the Tendon and Bones, etc., and finally the appearance of pain. This situation can be seen in, for example, some people on benefits and old people who may suffer from general body pain that is made worse by more rest and sleep. Once they are advised to take some moderate physical exercise (such as slow walking, running, swimming, as well as light physical work) their pain tends to improve. The reason for this is that once they start to exercise, their Qi and Blood circulation improves, which stimulates the physiological function of the Zang-Fu organs, and the pain then diminishes. Pain caused by too little exertion can typically be seen in patients who lie for too long in bed without enough movement; their limbs can become swollen and purplish in colour, and stiff and painful as muscular atrophy with accompanying stabbing or contracting pain occurs. As soon as they begin to walk, or even do some physical movements while seated, the muscular atrophy gradually disappears, the stiff joints becomes freer and more flexible, and the pain often

vanishes by itself, or with the help of some simple treatment.