The pathogenic entity known as Cold may arise from external climatic conditions (exposure to cold or windy weather), dietary excesses (ingestion of cold food and liquid), abuse of drugs and medicine (excessive use of antibiotics, laxatives, and analgesics)or internal weakness (exhaustion from overwork, debilitating illness, or loss of blood). Whether associated with excess or deficiency, Cold inhibits and undermines the body's Life Fire (Ming huo). Without adequate Life Fire, the organism is unable to transform air, fluid, and food into Qi, moisture, and blood or to maintain their proper storage and distribution. As a result, Qi stagnates, Moisture and Blood congeal, and the function of the Five Organ Networks deteriorates.*