What are the common signs of Exterior deficiency syndrome?

Exterior deficiency syndrome in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is characterized by a weakened defensive system, which makes the body more susceptible to external pathogens, such as Wind, Cold, or Heat. The signs commonly associated with this syndrome include weakness of the body, spontaneous sweating, and an aversion to wind.

Weakness indicates a lack of strength in the defensive Qi that protects the body from external influences. Spontaneous sweating results from the inability of the Wei Qi to safeguard the body’s surface, which typically prevents excessive sweating and protects against external changes. An aversion to wind reflects the sensitivity of the body to external elements when the exterior defense is compromised.

The other options describe symptoms associated with different conditions or syndromes. For example, fever, excessive thirst, and rash are more aligned with conditions involving internal Heat or Wind-Heat, while shivering, throbbing headaches, and irritability may point towards a pattern of internal Wind or Yang deficiency. Painful joints and difficulty breathing are typically related to issues concerning the internal organs or conditions like Wind-Damp obstructing channels, not exclusively tied to exterior deficiency.