Dryness

Dryness is the predominant qi of autumn, and in China often occurs in this season which is usually very dry.

Dryness consumes body fluid resulting in dryness of the nose and throat, dry mouth with thirst, chapped skin, withered body hair, constipation and reduced urination.

Pathogenic dryness often impairs the function of the lung, the " delicate " zang, which has the function of dispersing, descending and moistening. Dryness invades the lung through the nose or mouth. When lack of moisture impairs the dispersing and descending functions of the lung, there may be a dry cough with scanty sticky or bloody sputum.