How do imbalances in Qi manifest according to TCVM principles?

In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), imbalances in Qi are fundamental to understanding health and disease. Qi, often translated as "vital energy," is essential for maintaining life processes and is thought to flow throughout the body via meridians.

When there are imbalances in Qi, they can manifest in specific ways: excess, deficiency, stagnation, or rebellion. Each of these terms describes a distinct state of Qi and its flow:

• Excess refers to situations where there is too much Qi, leading to symptoms such as inflammation or hyperactivity.

• Deficiency indicates a lack of Qi, which can cause weakness, fatigue, and an inability to maintain normal bodily functions.

• Stagnation describes a state where Qi is not flowing properly, often leading to pain or discomfort due to blockages.

• Rebellion indicates instances where Qi flows in the wrong direction, which can result in unsettling symptoms, such as vomiting or coughing.

These concepts form the cornerstone of diagnosis and treatment in TCVM, guiding practitioners in developing appropriate therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring balance to the Qi within the body.

Other options, while related to medical conditions and behaviors, do not address the specific ways in which Qi imbalances are