Wind 
Wind is one of the six exterior pathogens (i.e. a quality in the environment or climate which can cause disease). It is the predominant climatic factor in spring, but can also cause disease in other seasons as well. It is a major factor involved in pathogens entering the body. It is usually the first pathogenic factor to invade with other pathogens following after it. Sometimes it can enter the body in combination with other climatic factors such as Cold, Heat or Damp. Additionally, it can also manifest as an internal pathogenic factor, primarily affecting the Liver.
Characteristics:
- It is Yang. It rises, dispersing upwards and outwards
- It constantly moves, as such symptoms and signs move from place to place in the body
- Rapid onset of disease
- Rapid changes of symptoms and signs
- Stiffness (Tremors, convulsions and paralysis are internal manifestations)
- Affects the top part of the body
- Affects the Lungs first
- It will affect the skin
- Causes itching
- It can be external or internal
Symptoms and Signs:
Depending upon the particular exterior syndrome involved, the symptoms of wind invasion will vary, but generally include the following.
- Aversion to cold and/or wind
- Sneezing, cough and runny nose
- Possible fever
- Stiffness and aching of the occipital region – Particularly around Feng Chi (GB 21)
- Itchy throat
- Stiffness and pain of the joints (Bi-Syndrome or Painful Obstruction Syndrome)
- Headache
For Interior Wind syndromes, the symptoms are somewhat different to those of exterior syndromes. Internal syndromes are usually connected to the Liver and involve deficient Yin-Heat, Liver-Blood deficiency, phlegm or excess fire. They may manifest with the following symptoms.
- Spasms and abnormal muscle contractions
- Convulsions
- Stroke and post-stroke sequelae
- Epileptic seizures
- Shaking with anger
- Headaches and/or migraines
- Numbness of the limbs
- Rapid changes in emotional state