Fright

Fright causes disruption of qi. It means that sudden fright leads to mental disarrangement, confusion of thought, and confusing reactions to reality.

Thought

Thought causes qi to bind. It means that when one is overly thinking, the function of qi will be obstructed. The ancient Chinese held that “thought” starts from the spleen, and ripens in the heart. So over-thinking not only impairs the hear-spirit, but also affects the spleen-qi.

Improper food and drink

Food and drink are the sources of nutrients, and are the substances needed to maintain life activities. But the intake of improper, unclean, or preferential food and drink often is the cause of disease. Since food and drink are digested and absorbed by the spleen and stomach, improper food and drink mainly impair the spleen and stomach, and lead to dysfunction of ascending and descending of the spleen and stomach, causing the accumulation of dampness, formation of phlegm, transformation of heat or other problems.

Overstrain and over-ease

Overstrain and over-ease refer to over-working and over-resting. Normal work and physical exercise can help the circulation of qi and blood, which can promote health. Necessary relaxation can dispel tiredness and restore physical and mental strength. However, excessive work or rest is not healthy. Long periods of mental or physical over-exertion, excessive sex, or living without doing any work or physical exercise can lead to diseases.